USA remain undefeated in the FIBA World Cup.
Despite looking vulnerable for the first time this FIBA World Cup, Team USA managed to pull away against gritty Montenegro, 85-73, at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.
USA started off slow, with Montenegro looking hungrier to grab the victory in the second round of the tournament.
Montenegro even took the lead from Team USA at halftime, 38-37, marking the first time the Americans entered the break trailing.
But, of course, given the NBA talent that Team USA possesses, the squad was able to battle through adversity to grab the lead once more in the third quarter.
USA, however, was unable to pull away from Montenegro until the latter part of the fourth quarter.
Struggling to make their three-point shots the entire night, Team USA relied on its defensive prowess instead, causing Montenegro to commit 22 turnovers. This defensive effort proved instrumental in widening the gap, as the Americans outscored Montenegro 23-2 in fastbreak points.
Anthony Edwards led the way for Team USA with 17 points, 10 of which came in the third quarter alone. Austin Reaves and Tyrese Haliburton added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Nikola Vucevic, meanwhile, had a solid outing for Montenegro as he finished with a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds.
With the win, USA is now 4-0 so far in the tournament, while Montenegro dropped to 2-2 in the standings.
Up next for Team USA is another undefeated team so far in the FIBA World Cup in Lithuania. Montenegro, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when it faces Greece.
Both games will be held at the MOA Arena on Sunday.
(MDB)