Team USA has moved to the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup despite a surprise loss to Lithuania in the game’s finale on Sunday. For the Americans, who have no longer had any room for error, it is now win or go home. They will play Italy on Tuesday in Manila to open the knockout rounds.
The Italians also finished 4-1 in the first and second rounds of the competition, but their path to the quarterfinals was far more spectacular as they prevailed in a number of tight games, including a crucial 78-76 upset over Serbia. Comparatively speaking, the Americans’ point differential was plus-109, while the Italians’ was plus-34.
Here is all the information you need to know prior to the quarterfinals:
Team USA vs. Italy
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 5 | Time: 8:40 a.m. ET
Location: Mall of Asia Arena — Manila, Philippines
TV channel: ESPN 2 | Live stream: fubo (try for free)
Odds: Team USA -13.5 | O/U: 175.5
Storylines
Team USA’s defeat by Lithuania turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it put them on the bracket’s easier side when the other outcomes were determined. The quarterfinal opponent will now be Italy rather than Serbia, the tournament’s most effective offensive team to date.
Forward Simone Fontecchio of the Utah Jazz, who is leading his team in scoring with 18.4 points per game, poses the biggest threat to the Italians. Team USA will also need to box out because Italy enters the quarterfinals as the second-best rebounding team left in the competition. The Americans have struggled on the glass in their last two games as Montenegro and Lithuania have both thrived on second-chance points.
Prediction
This isn’t Team USA’s “A-Team,” and they won’t be strolling to the gold medal like they might in the Olympics, as evidenced by the tight victory over Montenegro and the loss to Lithuania. However, they are much more talented than Italy and will be eager to rebound after a setback. Pick: -13.5 for Team USA