Paolo Banchero (C) of the United States competes during the Group C match between the United States and Jordan at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)
MANILA, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. delivered another impressive performance in the FIBA World Cup on Wednesday, securing consecutive games with over 100 points for the first time since 2006, as they defeated Jordan 110-62, while China concluded its winless group phase after a loss to Puerto Rico.
After defeating Greece 109-81 on Monday, the U.S. secured a spot in the round of 16 with a game to spare. They only needed a victory on Wednesday to secure the top spot in Group C.
Against Jordan, who had suffered back-to-back defeats, the U.S. displayed aggressiveness right from the start, nearly sealing the win with a halftime score of 62-33.
"We were looking to experiment with some lineups. The challenge with FIBA is that you have only a few weeks to shape your team compared to an NBA season spanning six to eight months. While the game wasn't competitive, both groups had a good rhythm. We haven't made any decisions moving forward, but we wanted to explore some aspects," commented U.S. head coach Steve Kerr.
All 12 players on the U.S. roster contributed to the scoresheet, with Anthony Edwards standing out with 22 points. The 22-year-old shot 8-of-16 from the field, securing eight rebounds and four assists.
"Our depth will be crucial moving forward; all 12 of us can score. Our synergy is important as we draw energy from each other. Having that depth is really significant," highlighted the Minnesota Timberwolves' star player.
On the Jordan side, Rondae Hollis Jefferson maintained his exceptional form, contributing 20 points and seven rebounds.
Greece advanced to the round of 16 alongside the U.S. by defeating New Zealand 83-74. In the second round, Greece and the U.S. will face Montenegro and Lithuania, respectively, while Jordan and New Zealand will compete in the Classification Games 17-32.
China's slim hopes for reaching the round of 16 were dashed by Puerto Rico in a Group B match. China now has to participate in the Classification Games in pursuit of their Olympic aspirations.
Puerto Rico took control of the game, leading 52-37 at halftime. Despite China scoring 37 points in the following quarter, cutting the deficit to nine points, Puerto Rico held their ground and secured a spot in the round of 16.
In another Group B match, Serbia remained focused on their objective, easily defeating debutant South Sudan 115-83 to progress from the group.
In Group F, Georgia's impressive debut run continued as they overcame Venezuela 70-59, earning a place in the second round alongside Slovenia, who pulled ahead in the second half to defeat Cape Verde 92-77 for an unbeaten record in the group. Despite shooting 5-of-17 from the field, Doncic still emerged as the top scorer for Slovenia with 19 points, while Klemen Prepelic shone with 18 points in the victory.
Additionally, on Wednesday, Spain completed Group G actions with an undefeated record following an 85-65 victory over Iran, while Brazil secured second place by defeating Cote d'Ivoire 89-77. ■
Ioannis Papapetrou (R) of Greece competes during the Group C match between Greece and New Zealand at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, the Philippines, on Aug. 30, 2023. (Photo by Rouelle Umali/Xinhua)
Shea Ili (1st R) of New Zealand goes for lay-up during the Group C match between Greece and New Zealand at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, the Philippines, on Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/He Changshan)
Zhao Rui (C) of China vies with Christopher Ortiz of Puerto Rico during the Group B match between China and Puerto Rico at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Zhuang)
Zhao Jiwei (L) of China vies with Tremont Waters of Puerto Rico during the Group B match between China and Puerto Rico at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Zhuang)
Head coach Aleksandar Djordjevic (C) of China instructs player Zhao Jiwei during the Group B match between China and Puerto Rico at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Zhao Jiwei (R) of China vies with Tremont Waters of Puerto Rico during the Group B match between China and Puerto Rico at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Zhuang)
Sunday Dech (2nd L) of South Sudan breaks through during the group B match between South Sudan and Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, the Philippines, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Zhuang)
Luka Doncic (3rd R) of Slovenia passes the ball during the group F first round match between Slovenia and Cape Verde at the FIBA World Cup 2023 in Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Edy Tavares (1st L) of Cape Verde dunks during the group F first round match between Slovenia and Cape Verde at the FIBA World Cup 2023 in Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Juancho Hernangomez (L) of Spain vies with Hasan Aliakbari of Iran during their Group G match at the FIBA World Cup 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)
Juancho Hernangomez of Spain dunks during the Group G match between Iran and Spain at the FIBA World Cup 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Aug. 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Zulkarnain)
