MANILA, Philippines — In a superior demonstration, the United States sent Italy crashing out of contention, 100-63, to confirm their stand at the semifinal round of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
The Americans regained their supreme footing just in time for the Final Round of the World Cup after absorbing a gut-wrenching defeat against Lithuania on Sunday to close out their Group Phase play.
Mikal Bridges carried the U.S. squad on his back, finishing with a game-high 24 points which were accompanied by seven boards and two snatches. Tyrese Haliburton, on his part, chipped in 18 points and six huge triples.
The United States built up their demolition as early as the first half wherein they posted a 24-point lead before leading to halftime as Austin Reaves hit a stepback jumper, 46-22.
Gil Azzurri couldn’t escape the continuing onslaught by the Americans in the second half as they got manhandled by as much as 41 points to officially wave the white flag.
The Italians will now face Lithuania in the classification round. Meanwhile, on Friday, the United States is set for a Semifinal bout on who wins between Germany and Latvia in their quarterfinal collision on Wednesday.
The Americans will march to their eight World Cup Semifinal stage in program history.
