The UC Irvine men's basketball team defeated the Philippines, 115-61, en route to a perfect 8-0 record and gold medal at the 42nd William Jones Cup. The Anteaters are the first United States team to medal since 2012 when the University of Pittsburgh Greensburg won the bronze and first American team to win the gold since 2006 (Athletes in Action team). Additionally, UCI is the first collegiate United States team to win the gold medal in 40 years when Hawai'i did it in 1983. Four Anteaters scored in double digits: Derin Saran (193-G) (23), Devin Tillis (198-F-2001) (16), Bent Leuchten (213-C-2002) (11), Emilis Butkus (196-G/F-2003) (18), and Jurian Dixon (196-G). Saran recorded his second double double of the tournament when he added a monstrous 19 rebound/ Tillis followed the lead off the boards grabbing nine and recorded a team high three steals. Justin Hohn (188-G) dished the ball a game best six times. Butkus and Eli Chol each had two blocks in the game. UC Irvine scored 17 points off fast breaks, two off turnovers, 23 second chance points, 75 bench points, and 58 in the paint. UCI held the advantage off the glass, 68-42. The Anteaters were red hot beyond the arc in eight games played, shooting at a 0.488 clip (81-166). All 12 Anteaters scored in the contest. Physicality ruled the first quarter of action. Both teams were awarded shots at the line after the conclusion of the media timeout. The Anteaters then went on a run of three-pointers, three from Emilis Butkus and one from Dylan Thoerner (198-G), to dominate, 26-6. Three's continued to fall for UCI as the Philippines called a timeout to regroup with 8:20 left in the period due to Devin Tillis, Justin Hohn, and Thoerner knocking down consecutive triples. Before the period ended, Jurian Dixon had a three-ball of his own and Derin Saran made two straight drives to the basket. The Philippines had a scoring spurt, but it was not enough as UCI led 57-27 at the half. Tillis was the hot-handed man for the Anteaters, scoring nine points off three consecutive triples early on in the third period. UCI's offense continued to dominate, holding the 83-45 advantage. Saran continued his offensive and defensive dominance in the fourth quarter, pulling down eight rebounds and scoring 12 points. Ben Egbo had a great showing in the final stanza with four rebounds and two assists.
Courtesy of: ucirvinesports.com