FIBA WORLD CUP
Who does Team USA play next? FIBA 2023 quarterfinal match-ups
Steve Kerr’s USA team are back on court on Tuesday as they face Italy in the quarterfinals at the Mall of Asia Arena (Manila).
Following Sunday’s surprise defeat to Lithuania, Steve Kerr’s team will have a different path to the final of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
A win over the Baltic nation would have ensured a top spot in Group I and meant a match-up against the second placed team in Group J but losing to Lithuania sees the US now facing Italy who topped their second stage group.
Some analysts even argue that finishing second is a blessing in disguise given that the US avoid the always dangerous Serbian side who will now play Lithuania.
Team USA need a reboot
What is clear is that if Team USA do have aspirations on lifting the title in Manila on 10 September, they need to get things right on the court. There were warning signs in the win over Montenegro with poor finishing and defensive lapses. Sunday’s game exposed more flaws in the US team who are still struggling at times to work as a tight knit unit with one of the few positive takeaways for the coaching staff would have been the third quarter response. Trailing by 19 points at half-time, the US managed a 16-2 points tally but ultimately it wasn’t enough as the lead and some fine three throw finishes saw the “Baltic Giants” prevail and record a historic win.
FIBA World Cup: Team USA quarter final
Italy vs USA
Mall of Asia Arena (Manilla): tip-off 10:40 am (ET) - 7:40 am (PT)
FIBA World Cup: other quarter final games
Lithuania vs Serbia
Germany v Latvia
Canada v Slovenia