Alex Scales scored 18 points and Jerome Beasley added 14 to pace the US to a 94-72 victory over Panama Wednesday in the opening game of the Americas World Championship qualifying tournament.
With a team comprised overseas-based players and others from the National Basketball Association Developmental League and Continental Basketball Association, the US led 50-35 at halftime and controlled the boards at both ends.
The top four teams qualify from the 10-nation event for next year's FIBA World Championship in Japan. Argentina already has qualified as Olympic champion.
Panama used a variety of zone defenses to try to contain the US, which responded by hitting 9-of-19 three-pointers.
Panama tried to beat the US in a transition game, but the Americans usually were able to recover, forcing Panama to slow the ball and often causing turnovers.
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