U.S. Men Win Fight-Marred Game Over Puerto Rico, 100-94
The U.S. men’s basketball team had a fight on its hands in its Goodwill Games opener Monday night.
The United States prevailed, 100-94, behind Billy Owens’ 34 points and the play of Kenny Anderson in a game marred by a bench-clearing fight in the first half.
The United States took a 79-67 lead with 9:25 left on an 11-0 run. Puerto Rico got within 91-90 with 2:05 left, but Anderson, who finished with 21 points, hit a jump shot with 1:48 left, made another on a three-point play with 1:15 left and then dished off to Clarence Weatherspoon for a thunderous dunk with 41 seconds left to seal the victory.
The fight started with 8:01 left in the first half. Alonzo Mourning of the United States made the first of two free throws and, as the ball went through the basket, Jose Ortiz and Mark Randall of Kansas both went to the floor.
Mourning said something to Ortiz, who slapped him. Mourning retaliated with a punch. Ramon Rivas threw a punch at Mourning from behind as both benches emptied.
Mourning and Ortiz were ejected and, under FIBA rules, they could be suspended for any or all of the competition.
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