July 11, 2009
BELGRADE, SERBIA, July 11, 2009 - After a disappointing one-point loss, 69-68, to Russia in Friday's semifinals, Team USA rebounded on Saturday with a 91-80 victory over Israel to claim the bronze medal at the 2009 World University Games in Belgrade, Serbia.
Penn State point-guard Talor Battle (Albany, N.Y.) posted 12 points on 2-of-3 shooting from three and was one of four U.S. players in double-figures on the day. Team USA grabbed a 24-22 lead after the first quarter and led 43-36 at the half as Battle had eight early points. Israel cut the U.S. lead to six, 70-64, to end the third quarter before the U.S. built its lead to as much as 12, Battle spurring one run with a steal and feed to Jarvis Varnado (Mississippi State) for a dunk.
Battle completed the Games averaging 10 points per game to lead Team USA and shot 52 percent (13-25) from three while leading the U.S. with 13 threes. He ranked second on the team with 13 assists, tied for second with six steals, and was second on the squad playing 19:51 minutes per game.
Lazar Hayward (Marquette) led Team USA with 14 points while Da'Sean Butler (West Virginia) had 13 and Evan Turner (Ohio State) 10 on Saturday. Team USA shot 46 percent from the floor, 6-19 from three, won the rebounding battle 43-37 and committed just 10 turnovers as it completed the Games with a 6-1 record.
Elishay Kadir led Israel (6-2) with 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting.