In spite of a stunning defeat to Lithuania on Sunday within the ultimate recreation of the second one spherical of the 2023 FIBA International Cup, Staff USA has complex to the quarterfinals. Now, it’s win-or-go-home for the American citizens, who don’t have any extra margin for error. They’ll start the knockout levels with a matchup in opposition to Italy on Tuesday in Manila. 

The Italians additionally went 4-1 within the first and moment rounds of the event, however their highway used to be way more dramatic, as they received quite a few similar video games to keep their spot within the quarterfinals, together with an important 78-76 disenchanted over Serbia. For the sake of comparability, the Italian’s level differential used to be plus-34, era the American citizens’ used to be plus-109. 

Forward of the quarterfinals, right here’s the whole thing you want to grasp:

Staff USA vs. Italy

• Life: Tuesday, Sept. 5 | Generation: 8:40 a.m. ET
• Location: Mall of Asia Enviornment — Manila, Philippines
• TV channel: ESPN 2 | Reside flow: fubo (struggle for isolated)
• Odds: Staff USA -13.5 | O/U: 175.5

Roster

Storylines

Shedding to Lithuania if truth be told labored out neatly for Staff USA, as later the alternative effects shook out they ended up at the more uncomplicated facet of the bracket. Now, in lieu of taking part in Serbia — the best offensive crew within the event thus far — within the quarterfinals, they’ll play games Italy. 

The primary warning for the Italians is Utah Jazz ahead Simone Fontecchio, who’s prominent the crew in scoring at 18.4 issues in line with recreation. As well as, Staff USA must field out, as Italy comes into the quarters because the second-best rebounding crew nonetheless alive. The glass has been a subject within the ultimate two video games for the American citizens, with Montenegro and Lithuania each feasting on second-chance issues. 

Prediction

The slim win over Montenegro and the defeat to Lithuania had been reminders that this isn’t Staff USA’s “A-Team,” and so they aren’t getting to cruise to the gold medal like they may within the Olympics. They’re way more proficient than Italy, even though, and could have a quantity to end up coming off a loss. Select: Staff USA -13.5