Lithuania shocked the United States in FIBA World Cup play on Sunday, however the Americans nonetheless earned a spot within the basketball event within the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Team USA was a 15 1/2-point favourite in opposition to the Lithuanians, who held on to a 54-37 halftime result in win in Manila.
The Americans outscored Lithuania 28-17 within the third quarter however could not make up the six-point deficit within the fourth.
Anthony Edwards led Team USA (4-1) with 35 factors on 14-of-26 capturing in 29 minutes. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges contributed 14 factors, and Brandon Ingram scored 10.
Vaidas Kariniauskas scored 15 factors for Lithuania (5-0), whereas Mindaugas Kuzminskas had 14 factors and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 12 factors and 7 rebounds.
Losses by Brazil, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic imply the United States and Canada will end the as the highest two groups from the Americas areas, qualifying them for Paris.
“It doesn’t ease the pain of the loss that we had tonight for us, but for USA Basketball, it’s a good thing to not have to go through any qualifying, anything further, you don’t have to worry about anything else,” coach Steve Kerr stated of guaranteeing a spot in Paris, per The Athletic. “But to be honest, I’m not worried about the Olympics. I’m worried about this. We want to win the World Cup, and that’s our focus.”
If the Americans are to win the World Cup, they’re going to must beat their subsequent opponent, Italy (4-1), within the first recreation of the knockout spherical on Tuesday, additionally in Manila. — Reuters/Field Level Media
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
