Achieving the biggest points differential was the aim of the game for the England U21s as they faced 89th ranked Barbados.
This was evident early on as the first 2 shots for England came after only 10 seconds in to the shot clock, SG David Hughes assisting C Jamie Hermann for the first basket before scoring himself with a driving layup. Scoring wasn’t the only point of emphasis as Barbados were kept scoreless for the first 8 minutes of the game before 2 free throws got them on the scoreboard, the score at 18-2. A 3 pointer from C Andy King and baskets from SF Jonathan Hendriks kept the scoreboard booming for the England juniors as the quarter ended with the score at 31-5.
PG Jordan Birtwhistle got the second period off to a quick start as he scored his 2nd 3 pointer of the game 3 seconds in to the quarter. Barbados we’re able to hold England scoreless for almost 2 minutes from then before Birtwhistle and free throws from PF Sivasekaren Kanjilal got the score ticking again. All this started a 20-0 run for England as they again kept Barbados scoreless for the first 8 minutes of quarter two. England’s lead at half time was 44 points, but they weren’t finished there.
A 27-9 third quarter added to Barbados’ misery as England continued their dominance. David Hughes’ all round effort throughout the game was rewarded as he picked up his 10th rebound of the game from the SG position to give him his double-double. With the score at 88-21 with a minute to go, garbage time was in full effect. Another 3 pointer from King and a dunk from Hendriks ended the period with the score at 93-21.
England’s defence let off slightly in the final period as Barbados scored double digits for the only time in the game, however the offence kept flowing as England added another 30 points to their total. The defence started well as Barbados only scored 2 points in the first 7 minutes of the quarter. Hendriks took over the 4th quarter as he scored 8 points along with 2 steals and 2 assists.
The final score ended at 123-31 as England push on unbeaten in the tournament, now at 4-0. England face their toughest challenge yet as they face 21st ranked Australia next week.
3 points- David Hughes- Hughes was all over the place as his final stat line was 18 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals with a game high +58.
2 points- Jonathan Hendricks- Hendriks staked his name for future consideration on his debut as he scored 18 points on 9-12 shooting along with 3 assists and 3 steals.
1 point- Jordan Birtwhistle- Birtwhistle top scored with 19 points, including 5 3 pointers in 26 minutes.