By Alfredo Echenique
Aug 30, 2023, 09:37 AM EDT
This Wednesday the United States team closed the group stage of the Basketball World Cup undefeated by beating Jordan 110-62, thus settling in the second phase of the competition.
The American beating began from the very first quarter, the Americans left a 31-12 scoreline that already reflected the unevenness of the match. Steve Kerr came out with the same quintet in the first two games except for Brandon Igram, who has not had a good start to the tournament, in his place came Josh Hart.
The Gold State Warriors strategist also took the opportunity to rotate the team and give the 12 players many minutes. The standout on the field was Anthony Edwards with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
The second quarter was a reflection of the first, and ended with the same score (31-12), so the American team’s advantage was already very wide just in the first half. In the third quarter Jordan cut back and finished 26-16. However, a 23-13 in the last half finished sealing the beating that the USA Team inflicted on the Arab team.
For Jordan the most prominent was Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who is nicknamed by many as the “Jordanian Kobe”. The number “24” had an inspired night with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. However, her individual participation was not enough to avoid the fall and elimination of her team in this Basketball World Cup.
USA installed in second phase
Already undefeated in the group stage, those led by Steve Kerr are already settling into the second phase of the tournament with their minds set on their new rivals. Montenegro and Lithuania are already confirmed in group I of this second round.
On September 1, the United States will begin this phase against Montenegro and on September 3 against Lithuania. The top two in these new groups advance to the round of 16 knockout phase, to determine the new tournament champion.
The USA Team is going for its sixth title in this World Cup, after winning those of 1954, 1986, 1994, 2010 and 2014.
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