The United States bowed to Lithuania.
The United States lost 104-110 against Lithuania in Group J in the second round of the 2023 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Men’s Basketball World Cup held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines on the 3rd. Although they lost, the United States, which ranked second in Group J, advanced to the quarterfinals and will face Italy on the 5th.
The United States tasted the bitter taste of Lithuania from the first quarter. Lithuania made 3-point shots in a row, but the U.S. offense repeatedly ignored the rim. An Anthony Edwards dunk was attempted to change the mood, but even this did not go in. At the end of the first quarter, the score was a miserable 12-31.
In the 2nd and 3rd quarters, the U.S. started chasing, but was unable to turn the tables. We started the 4th quarter trailing by 6 points (65-71). Jaylen Brunson’s score in the middle of the quarter narrowed the gap to 4 points (85-89), but Latvia’s consecutive scores resulted in a missed opportunity to catch up.
But the United States did not give up. About two minutes before the end of the game, Edwards hit a 3-pointer. Edwards’ dunk, Michal Bridges’ 3-pointer, and Brunson’s free throw scored the lead to 5 points (102-107) with 28 seconds left in the game. But time was on Lithuania’s side, not America’s.
In addition, Latvia defeated Brazil with 16 3-point shots, and Montenegro failed to advance to the quarterfinals but defeated Greece 73-69. Slovenia’s Luka Doncic contributed 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, but lost to Germany 100-71.
The teams that ultimately advance to the quarterfinals are Italy, Serbia, Lithuania, the United States, Germany, Slovenia, Latvia, and Canada, which are ranked 1st and 2nd in the four groups that advanced to the second round.
By: 안전놀이터