Sanchez Tops Reach USA in FG% After Two Games in China

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –- Through the first two games of his exhibition tour with Reach USA in China, Arkansas freshman forward Michael Sanchez is averaging 8.0 points and 5.5 rebounds.

In a game early Thursday, Reach USA finished in a tie with Shan Dong, 78-78, in Jiang Jin, China. After trailing by 11 following three quarters, Reach USA led by two with 30 seconds remaining. Shan Dong tied the game and both teams missed shots in the final seconds. As Reach USA huddled to begin an overtime period, the team was informed it was a friendly game and there would be no extra period.

Sanchez made 3-of-4 shots and finished with six points and two rebounds. Illinois guard Demetri McCamey led the team with 16 points.

In the first game of the tour, Reach USA fell to Shan Dong Gold, 68-67, on Wednesday. Reach USA led by five in the first half, trailed by one at the break and by six late in the game before taking a one-point lead with 1:55 remaining. Shan Dong Gold moved back in front on a conventional three-point play with 35 seconds remaining and Reach USA missed a pair of threes that would have tied the game.

Sanchez had 10 points and was second on the team with nine rebounds before fouling out. He was 5-of-6 shooting, and one of four players in double figures. Xavier Silas, a 6-5 forward from Northern Illinois, had 16 points and a team-high 10 rebounds.

In the two games combined, Sanchez has made 8-of-10 shots from the field. His .800 field goal percentage leads the team.

Reach USA, which is 0-1-1 on the trip, is scheduled to play six more exhibition games against professional teams in China.