July 12, 2009

NETANYA, Israel - Tennessee basketball player Steven Pearl scored 15 points and was one of five Americans to score in double figures Sunday as Maccabi USA's Open Men's Basketball Team posted a convincing 94-32 exhibition win over Canada. Avi Fogel led the U.S. team--which is coached by Tennessee's Bruce Pearl--with 17 points.

The United States and Canada will play out of separate brackets once tournament play begins. In Sunday's exhibition victory, Seth Hauben had a team-high seven rebounds for the Americans, while Todd Golden logged a team-best five assists.

Opening ceremonies for the 18th World Maccabiah Games take place Monday night--with American Olympic gold-medalist swimmer Jason Lezak set to light the torch--and the American hoops squad will be visiting a children's hospital Monday morning. The U.S. Maccabi Team opens tournament play at the Games Tuesday against Mexico at Aviv Hall.

Tennessee fans interested in keeping up with Steven Pearl and his experiences in Israel for the Maccabiah Games can access his blog--as well as a blog maintained by his sister, Jacqui--at UTsports.com.