Missouri Tiger Marcus Denmon (Kansas City, Mo.) rounded out the USA’s double-digit scorers with 10 points, including 5-of-5 from the charity stripe and thanks in part to a U.S. Men’s World University Games record six made 3-pointers from John Jenkins (Vanderbilt/ Hendersonville, Tenn.), the 2011 USA Men’s World University Games Team (2-0) easily downed Hungary (0-2) 102-53 on Aug. 14 at the Universiade Main Gym in Shenzhen, China.
While the USA sank 12 threes overall and all 12 players scored for a second-consecutive game, its defense starved Hungary and allowed just one made field goal in the first quarter and 34.5 percent shooting (20-58 FGs) for the game.
“Our guys did a good job of coming out and being focused and ready to play,” said USA and Purdue University head coach Matt Painter. “I thought that was the best we’ve played so far, counting all the practices, exhibition game and both games here. I’m proud of our guys to be ready to play. They really followed the scouting report. This was the first time we’ve been able to watch some film and be able to see our opponent and then be able to carry out some things from the film room to the court.”
Jenkins finished with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting from 3-point in 16 minutes played, bettering the previous USA World University Games record of five made 3-pointers that was previously established by Juan Dixon in 2001 in Beijing, China, and Matt Santangelo in 1999 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
“That’s humungous, because I’ve kind of been going through a hard time this week,” Jenkins said. “My grandfather just passed away (Aug. 9). This whole thing has been kind of delirious for me. I don’t know what’s going on, I’m just playing games. It’s been hard for me because my family’s back at home. Just to hear that definitely means I’m doing something right out here and I feel blessed.
