FBWC: Team USA dumps Italy, advances to medal round
Paolo Banchero of the United States was business as usual in their 100-63 victory over Italy. (Photo, FIBA)
Daily TribunePaolo Banchero of the United States was business as usual in their 100-63 victory over Italy. (Photo, FIBA)
The United States jumped the gun early on Italy and didn't look back to coast its way to a 100-63 triumph in the quarterfinal round of the FIBA World Cup Tuesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Team USA's trouble-free ride to the medal round allowed the Americans to set up a head-on collision course with the winner of the quarterfinal match between Latvia and Germany, which will be played on Wednesday.
Mikal Bridges caught fire in the second period and keyed the Americans' breakaway.
The 6-foot-6 guard from the Brooklyn Nets, a member of the National Basketball Association's All-Defensive First Team, was practically doing everything, from shooting treys, driving strong to the basket, stealing the ball, and grabbing rebounds.
He ended up with 24 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a +32 efficiency rating.