Basketball: NBA World team beat US in Rising Stars challenge

Dennis Schroeder of the Atlanta Hawks (centre) goes to the basket in the BBVA Compass Risings Stars Challenge at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, US, on Feb 13, 2015. -- PHOTO: EPA
Dennis Schroeder of the Atlanta Hawks (centre) goes to the basket in the BBVA Compass Risings Stars Challenge at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, US, on Feb 13, 2015. -- PHOTO: EPA

(REUTERS) - Rookie National Basketball Association forward Andrew Wiggins scored 22 points, leading seven in double figures as the World team defeated the US team 121-112 on Friday night in the Rising Stars Challenge at the Barclays Center in New York.

In 23 minutes, Canadian Wiggins, who plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, showed glimpses of someone who might play in the regular All-Star game in his native Toronto next season. Six of his eight baskets came on dunks as he earned the MVP award.

Utah Jazz centre Rudy Gobert of France added 18 points, while protecting the rim in the exhibition game with 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Chicago Bulls rookie forward Nikola Mirotic (Montenegro) and Brooklyn Nets first-year swing man Bojan Bogdanovic (Croatia) scored 16 points apiece, combining for seven of the World team's eight three-pointers.

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