Houts helps lead USA past Great Britain

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Posted: 7/3/09

BELGRADE, Serbia. - Georgia's Ashley Houts scored nine points, dealt out four assists, gathered three steals and connected on two 3-pointer's to help the U.S. National Team reach a 93-59 victory over Great Britain in World University Games play on Thursday. The U.S. is now 2-0 in the competition.

Houts, a rising senior from Trenton, Ga., was 3-of-7 on field goals and displayed a perfect performance at the line. Houts also connected on two 3-pointers half of the American team's total in the contest in 22 minutes of playing time.

Ohio State's Jantel Lavender scored 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds, to lead three Americans to double digits. No American played more than 22 minutes.

When the first quarter buzzer sounded, USA was up with a 27-7 lead, and the Americans expanded that margin to 49-22 at halftime

Great Britain came out with a spark in the second half with a 7-0 run that made the score 49-29. However, the surge was short-lived as USA responded with a 26-13 spurt.

The U.S. team wraps up their preliminary play against Serbia on July 3 at 5:30 p.m. Second round action takes place starting this weekend, July 5-7. The semifinal round will be contested on July 9 and the medal finals will be played on July 11.

- Georgia Sports Communications