Team USA Advances to Fiba World Cup Semifinals
Manila, Philippines — Team USA celebrates their victory as they secure a spot in the medal round of the Fiba World Cup. After suffering their first loss, the Americans came back in impressive fashion. Mikal Bridges led the team with 24 points, 14 of which were scored in the first half. Tyrese Haliburton also contributed 18 points as the United States dominated defensively and easily defeated Italy with a final score of 100-63 in the quarterfinals.
The Americans, with a record of 5-1, have now secured their 15th top-four finish in 19 World Cups. They will face either Germany (5-0) or Latvia (4-1) in the semifinals on Friday. The outcome of the quarterfinal game between Germany and Latvia, taking place in Manila on Wednesday, will determine Team USA’s opponent.
At halftime, the score was 46-24 in favor of the United States. Austin Reaves provided an electrifying follow-slam, which had his teammates on their feet, amplifying the lead. Although Anthony Edwards, the team’s leading scorer, did not score until the third quarter, it was unnecessary as the Americans showcased a strong defensive performance. The defense, which had struggled in their loss to Lithuania, held Italy to 6 of 31 shooting in the second half. Italy had started the game shooting 2 for 21 from beyond the arc.
Sophie Fontecchio led Italy with 18 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Team USA’s dominance. This victory ensures that the Americans will not suffer the same fate as four years ago in China, where they were eliminated from medal contention by France in the quarterfinals. The U.S. ended up finishing in seventh place, their worst performance in a major men’s international event.
If Team USA wins the upcoming semifinal game on Friday, they will secure a medal. If they win the semifinal and the final on Sunday, they will bring home the gold. This decisive win against Italy just adds to the historical significance of their rivalry. Italy had only defeated the U.S. twice in 14 previous encounters on the international stage, both times at the “World Cup”. The Italians’ victory in 1978 in Manila was particularly damaging to the Americans, as it led to a fifth-place finish for the U.S. that year.
The U.S. dominated the game from the start, outscoring Italy 24-14 in the first quarter and extending their lead to 22 by halftime. With a solid performance, Team USA is now eagerly waiting for their upcoming matchup either against Germany or Latvia.
USA vs Italy: Key Takeaways
- Team USA secured a top-four finish in the Fiba World Cup.
- Mikal Bridges led the team with 24 points.
- Tyrese Haliburton contributed 18 points to the American victory.
- Austin Reaves had a remarkable follow-slam play that impressed teammates.
- Anthony Edwards, the team’s leading scorer, contributed defensively rather than offensively.
- The American defense held Italy to 6 of 31 shooting in the second half.
- If Team USA wins the semifinal, they are guaranteed a medal.
- This victory against Italy adds another chapter to the historical rivalry.
- The Italians only defeated the U.S. twice in 14 previous encounters at the international level.
Upcoming Games:
USA: Semifinals on Friday against either Germany or Latvia.
Italy: Consolation playoffs on Thursday against either Germany or Latvia.
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