Powers Guides USA Basketball to an 80-68 Win Over Italy in World University Games

Aerial Powers scores 22 points to lead USA to Group B win. East Lansing, Michigan - Michigan State women’s basketball player Aerial Powers led Team USA to an

Aerial Powers scores 22 points to lead USA to Group B win.

East Lansing, Michigan - Michigan State women’s basketball player Aerial Powers led Team USA to an 80-68 win over Italy in their opening game of the World University Games Saturday in Dongkang, South Korea.

USA is now 1-0 in Group B action. The Czech Republic also moved to 1-0 in Group B with a win against China. Both Italy and China are 0-1 in Group B action.

Powers and Stanford’s Erica McCall both scored a game-high 22 points. This was Powers’ first international action. Powers also added seven rebounds and two steals in just over 25 minutes. She also made her first international start in the game against Italy.

“It was amazing to be out there and represent my country,” Powers said. “My first experience was great, being out there with my teammates. The competition was definitely more physical than I expected. I can’t wait for our next game.”

After trailing after the first quarter, 21-20, the United State came roaring back in the second quarter. The U.S. had stretched its lead to nine points, 49-40 at half time. Powers had 16 of her 22 points in the first half of action. The U.S. out-scored Italy 18-14 in the fourth quarter to close out the game.

USA vs. Italy Box Score - http://www.gwangju2015.com/info/

Team USA is back in action on Monday, July 6 at 4:30 a.m. ET against China. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU.

Powers is the first Spartan women’s basketball players to represent the United States since Allyssa DeHaan helped Team USA win the gold medal at the 2007 FIBA U-19 World Championships. Head coach Suzy Merchant was also an assistant coach for the USA Basketball women’s team that won the Gold Medal at the World University Games in 2009.

There are other Big Ten connections as Northwestern’s head coach Joe McKeown will lead the World University Games squad. Maryland’s Brionna Jones is also on the World University Games roster.