Amid a sluggish start, the United States took their fourth win of the 2023 FIBA World Cup tourney against their best enemy thus far in Montenegro, 85-73, within Manila’s Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, Sept. 1.
The entire U.S. squad encountered hardships as The Black Mountain ended the first three periods going toe-to-toe on their caliber. But powered by Anthony Edwards’ second-half revival, the Americans closed out the matchup with another emphatic display.
After a rough first half, Edwards carried the load for the nationals with his 17 points. Austin Reaves added 12 off the bench, while Jaren Jackson Jr. logged his 11 markers.
Chicago Bulls star center Nikola Vucevic went off with 18 points and 16 boards for the Montenegrins.
The Americans improved to 4-0 at the expense of Montenegro splitting to 2-2
Both clubs will cap off their Group Phase on Sunday. The United States will face the Jonas Valanciunas-led Lithuania, while Montenegro will go up against Greece.
