Langston Galloway scored 16 points and seven-time NBA star Joe Johnson added 14 as the United States cruised to an 89-67 victory over Mexico in Sunday’s World Cup qualifier.
The Americans (3-1) avenged their only defeat of this qualifying round, routing the previously undefeated Mexican team in a game that was not close after the first minutes. The United States led 48-21 at halftime.
With the NBA season occurring at the same time as these qualifying games, most American players came from the G League. Yet all the Americans need to do (3-1) is avoid finishing bottom of their four-team group to advance to the next qualifying round. They would be sure if Puerto Rico beat Cuba later on Sunday.
Johnson, 40, is the biggest name on this American team. Galloway also has good NBA experience. David Stockton, whose Hall of Fame father John was in attendance on Sunday, scored 15 points.
The United States started a little slow, beating Cuba by five and losing 97-88 to Mexico in the first qualifying window in November. These matches were played in Mexico.
The US roster changed significantly for this window and the US comfortably won both games in Washington. The Americans beat Puerto Rico 93-76 on Thursday night. The next qualifying window is in July.
Mexico (3-1) never led in the rematch against the U.S. The Americans led a 14-0 run late in the first quarter and early in the second, taking a 33 lead -14.
Fabian Jaimes led Mexico with 11 points.
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