Reigning Olympic gold medalists Team USA survived against 18th-ranked Montenegro, winning 85-73 to maintain their undefeated streak in the FIBA Basketball World Cup as the second round began at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Friday.
Team USA improved their record to 4-0 and now awaits the outcome of the Lithuania vs. Greece game later in the evening to determine their advancement to the knockout quarterfinals.
With just a four-point lead and three minutes left in the match, Austin Reaves ignited a USA run with a three-pointer, followed by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Mikal Bridges making their shots to secure a 10-point lead with 1:29 remaining.
“I thought Montenegro was fantastic. That’s a really well-coached team. They had their game plan, everybody knew their roles, and everybody executed,” said USA head coach Steve Kerr about Montenegro’s valiant performance.
“I’m proud of our guys. It wasn’t our night offensively, and we’ll review the tape. I didn’t think we moved the ball well, and that’s why we got into the trouble that we did,” he added.
Anthony Edwards was the star of the win with 17 points, while Austin Reaves contributed 12 points, making 9-of-11 free throws. Tyrese Haliburton played a facilitating role with 10 points and six assists, while 6-foot-10 Jackson scored 11 points but didn’t record any rebounds.
Nikola Vucevic led Montenegro with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to a 2-2 record. Kendrick Perry added 14 points and six assists but had five turnovers.
Team USA and Montenegro will conclude the second round on Sunday, facing Lithuania and Greece, respectively.
The Scores:
USA 85 – Edwards 17, Reaves 12, Jackson Jr. 11, Bridges 10, Haliburton 10, Banchero 8, Brunson 4, Hart 4, Kessler 4, Portis Jr. 3, Ingram 2.
Montenegro 73 – Vucevic 18, Perry 14, Ivanovic 9, Simonovic 9, Dubjlevic 8, Mihailovic 5, Radoncic 4, Radovic 4, Popovic 2, Slavkovic 0.
Quarterscores: 19-18, 37-38, 61-55, 85-73.
