Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges led the United States to a resounding 100-63 win over Italy in the quarterfinals of the ongoing FIBA World Cup in the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines.
Bridges poured in 24 points for his third straight game with double figures and grabbed seven rebounds for the five-time world champions, who powered into the semifinals on Tuesday.
The US put behind their shocking loss to Lithuania last time out and made life tough for the Italians, cruising to a 46-24 lead after the first half. The second half was a little closer, but Steve Kerr’s side were still on top with a 54-39 score in the second half.
USA ROUT ITALY IN A LOPSIDED QUARTER-FINAL ????#FIBAWC x #WinForUSA ????????
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 ???? (@FIBAWC) September 5, 2023
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton scored 18 points, dished out five assists and made six three-pointers in 20 minutes, to become just the third player with six or more threes in a quarter-finals game in World Cup history, joining Patty Mills (also 6, in 2019), and Larry Ayuso (7, in 2002). Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves added 12 points for the United States, which looked terrifying to compete against for most of the game.
Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio, who was playing against some familiar faces, led Italy with 18 points and five rebounds. Stefano Tonut added 11 points and dished out five assists, while point guard Marco Spissu finished with eight points in 23 minutes.
The United States will now wait for the winner of the other quarterfinal tie between Germany and Latvia, while Italy will face the loser of that tie in the Classification 5-8 Games.
