Tag: FIBA Basketball World Cup

Germany beats Serbia for first gold medal at FIBA Basketball World Cup

Dennis Schroder was named MVP of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, averaging 19.1 points to lead Germany to a perfect 8-0 record.

Dennis Schroder produced a game-high 28 points and Franz Wagner added 19 points and seven rebounds to lead Germany to its first gold medal in the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Schroder helped seal the 83-77 victory over Serbia on Sunday with a clutch layup to put Germany up by four points with 21 seconds left to play. He finished shooting 9-of-17 from the field, including 2-of-6 from 3-point range, in 34 minutes.

He was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, averaging 19.1 points, 6.1 assists and 1.4 steals to lead Germany to an 8-0 record. His 153 total points were the third-most scored by a German player in the World Cup, trailing only Dirk Nowitzki.

Aleksa Avramovic led Serbia with 21 points, Bogdan Bogdanovic had 17 points and Filip Petrusev added 10 points off the bench. The group claimed its second silver medal in the FIBA Basketball World Cup and its first since 2014.

Germany clinched its first berth in the semifinals of the World Cup byΒ  defeating Latvia on Wednesday. The group returned on Friday and beat the United States for the first time in seven matchups at the senior international level to set up its gold medal opportunity.

The team, along with Serbia, previously claimed one of two berths from the European region in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France. After winning the gold medal on Sunday, the group projects to be one of the favorites in the competition.

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Germany stuns Team USA to advance to FIBA Basketball World Cup finals for first time

Germany picked up its first-ever win over the U.S. to advance to the finals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Andreas Obst produced a game-high 24 points and six assists, and Franz Wagner added 22 points and five rebounds to lead Germany to a 113-111 victory over the United States to advance to the finals of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Germany entered the contest winless against the U.S. in six previous meetings at the senior international level and recently fell to the Americans in a friendly on Aug. 20, 99-91. However, it controlled most of the contest on Friday and led for over 30 minutes of game time, despite trailing by one point at halftime.

The Germans outscored the opposition, 35-24, in the third quarter to carry a 10-point lead into the final frame. The Americans, led by Anthony Edwards (23 points), Austin Reaves (21 points) and Mikal Bridges (17 points), cut the deficit to one point with 1 minute, 35 seconds left to play but were unable to get any closer.

Germany will now face Serbia in the final on Sunday (8:40 a.m. EDT).

The outcome of the game was likely decided on the glass. Though Germany only outrebounded the Americans 30-28, the group held a 16-8 advantage on the offensive end. The discrepancy resulted in 25 second-chance points for Germany, compared to just eight points for the U.S.

USA Basketball, with a roster featuring 12 players in the NBA, was viewed as the front-runner to win the tournament, while Germany, with four players in the NBA, entered with the eighth-highest odds. Germany will play in the gold medal game at the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first since the inception of the tournament in 1950.

The U.S. will play Canada for the bronze medal on Sunday (4:30 a.m. EDT).

Germany and the U.S. previously clinched berths in the 2024 Olympic Games after finishing as the top two teams in the European and Americas regions, respectively.

The tournament helped seven countries qualify for the Games in Paris.

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Canada makes history with first semifinal appearance in FIBA Basketball World Cup

After defeating Slovenia, Canada is ensured its highest finish at the FIBA World Cup after advancing to the semifinals for the first time.

Just three days after clinching a berth in the 2024 Olympic Games, Canada made more history on Wednesday by defeating Slovenia in the quarterfinals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced 31 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals to lead Canada to the 100-89 win. RJ Barrett added 24 points and nine rebounds, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dillon Brooks had 14 points apiece.

With the victory, the Canadians are assured their highest finish at the FIBA Basketball World Cup after advancing to the semifinals for the first time in program history.

The national team previously finished sixth twice (1978, 1982).

The Canadians clinched their first appearance in the Olympics since 2000 on Sunday by defeating Spain, 88-85. The team overcame a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit as Gilgeous-Alexander produced 13 of his 30 points in the period to down the top-ranked team in the world.

Canada (5-1) faces Serbia (5-1) in the semifinals on Friday in Manila, Philippines (4:45 a.m. EDT, ESPN+). It will mark the first time the two countries have met as they look to make it to the finals and play either Germany or the United States.

Gilgeous-Alexander & Co. are 5.5-point favorites to win on Friday.

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Filip Petrusev drops 17 points to help lead Serbia to FIBA World Cup semis

Petrusev put up his best outing of the FIBA Basketball World Cup to help lead Serbia to the semifinals.

Bogdan Bogdanovic produced another 20-point effort, and Filip Petrusev put up his best outing of the tournament to lead Serbia past Lithuania, 87-68, in the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Bogdanovic recorded a game-high 21 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals Tuesday. He scored 18 points in the first half as Serbia raced to an 11-point lead at halftime. The Italians pushed their advantage to as many as 25 points in the second half.

The 20-point game was his third of the tournament.

Petrusev scored 17 points, six rebounds and two assists, and Stefan Jovic added 11 points for Serbia. The 17-point effort from Petrusev marked a tournament high in scoring and was his second straight game in double figures.

With the win, Serbia will face either Canada or Slovenia in the semifinals on Friday in Manila, Philippines (4:45 a.m. EDT). Serbia and the United States punched their tickets to the next round in Tuesday’s quarterfinals.

Serbia is one of four European countries still in contention in the tournament. With two Olympic berths going to the region, Serbia could clinch a spot in the Games for the first time since 2016, depending on the outcomes of the two games on Wednesday.

The country has medaled once in the World Cup (2014, silver).

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USA Basketball dismantles Italy to advance to FIBA World Cup semifinals

After suffering its first loss in the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sunday, USA Basketball responded with a dominating performance.

After suffering its first loss in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup on Sunday, USA Basketball responded with a dominating performance to continue its quest for the gold medal.

Mikal Bridges produced 24 points and seven rebounds and Tyrese Haliburton recorded 18 points, five assists and four rebounds to lead the United States to a 100-63 victory over Italy on Tuesday and advance to the semifinals. Austin Reaves added 12 points and four rebounds, and Paolo Banchero chipped in eight points and five rebounds.

From the opening quarter, Team USA (5-1) looked to play as the favorites to win the tournament. The group led by as many as 41 points and trailed for less than two minutes in the quarterfinal matchup. It held Italy to 30.7% shooting from the field, including 18.4% from 3-point range, and outrebounded the opposition, 51-33.

The U.S. bounced back from an upset loss against Lithuania its last time out, 110-104. The Americans were a 15.5-point favorite to win that contest but struggled from the tip and trailed, 31-12, after the first period. It made a run in the second half to get the deficit down to single digits but was unable to get much closer.

Despite the loss to Lithuania, Team USA clinched a berth in the 2024 Olympic Games as one of the top two countries in the Americas region (Canada) following losses by Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The U.S. is one of five countries to claim a berth in the Olympics thus far from the World Cup.

With the victory, the U.S. will advance to the semifinals for the first time since 2014 when it last won the tournament. The group will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between Germany (5-0) and Latvia (4-1) on Friday (8:40 a.m. EDT, ESPN2).

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Canada clinches first Olympic berth since 2000 by defeating Spain

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points to lead Canada to a victory over Spain and a berth in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points, including 13 points in the fourth quarter, to lead Canada to an 88-85 victory over Spain on Sunday and a berth in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Facing elimination, Canada trailed Spain by 12 points entering the fourth quarter. Sensing the moment, Gilgeous-Alexander took over and single-handedly outscored Spain by himself. Canada held Spain to 12 points in the quarter.

Gilgeous-Alexander scored 11 points in the final 1 minute and 51 seconds of the game, including a clutch step-back shot to give Canada the lead for good. He went 14-of-16 from the free-throw line, including 7-of-7 down the stretch.

Dillon Brooks produced 22 points, five rebounds and two assists to help lead Canada. He hit a clutch 3-pointer to tie the game up at 80 points apiece with 1 minute, 19 seconds left to play. RJ Barrett added 16 points, and Dwight Powell and Kelly Olynyk each had six points.

The victory ensured Canada will return to the Olympics for the first time since 2000. The team claimed its berth after finishing as one of the top two countries from the Americas region, along with the United States, thanks to losses by Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Canada returns to the quarterfinals of the FIBA Basketball World Cup for the first time since 1994 after finishing with a 4-1 record in Group L. Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. will face Luka Doncic and Slovenia on Wednesday (8:30 a.m. EDT).

The Canadians have the second-best odds of winning at plus-500.

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Team USA stunned by Lithuania; clinches spot in 2024 Paris Olympics

Team USA suffered its first loss in the FIBA World Cup but the Americans leave with their ticket punched to the Olympics.

USA Basketball suffered its first loss in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup in stunning fashion, but the Americans leave with their ticket punched to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Team USA entered Sunday as 15.5-point favorites to beat Lithuania in the final game of the second round. With a spot in the quarterfinals already clinched for both countries, Lithuania used a strong first-half start to defeat the United States, 110-104. The Lithuanians led 31-12 after the first quarter and held a 54-37 advantage at halftime.

The U.S. cut into its deficit in the third quarter, outscoring Lithuania by 11 points. The group trailed by six points entering the fourth quarter but was unable to get much closer as Lithuania answered each run by the U.S. in the period. Lithuania outrebounded Team USA, 43-27, and held a 61-38 advantage in bench scoring.

Vaidas Kariniauskas led Lithuania (5-0) with 15 points and four rebounds, Mindaugas Kuzminskas had 14 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 12 points and seven rebounds. The Lithuanians head into the quarterfinals as one of two undefeated teams (Germany) and will face Serbia on Tuesday.

Anthony Edwards led Team USA with 35 points, which tied Carmelo Anthony for the second-most points in a World Cup game by an American. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson each scored 14 points and Brandon Ingram added 10 points.

Despite the loss to Lithuania, USA Basketball clinched a berth in the Olympic Games thanks to losses by Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The group will finish as one of the top two teams from the Americas region, along with Canada.

Team USA will face Italy to begin the knockout round of the tournament on Tuesday (8:40 a.m. EDT, ESPN2) as the second-place team from Group J. The Italians were the top team from Group I, posting a 4-1 record through the first two rounds.

The U.S. is favored to win the tournament at minus-135.

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Canada stunned by Brazil for first loss in FIBA Basketball World Cup

Canada suffered its first loss of the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Friday against Brazil, 69-65.

After cruising through the group phase of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Canada suffered its first loss in the tournament on Friday, 69-65, against Brazil.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Canada with 23 points and five rebounds and Luguentz Dort had 17 points to open the second round. The team shot 33% from the field and was outscored, 33-22, in the paint and in points off turnovers (17-4).

Bruno Caboclo led Brazil (3-1) with 19 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Gui Santos had 10 points and Yago Santos added eight points and 10 rebounds as Brazil outscored Canada, 24-13, in the fourth quarter after trailing by 12 points in the second half.

Canada entered the contest as 20-point favorites by some sportsbooks, making it one of the most significant losses of the tournament. The team is in a four-way tie for first place in Group L and faces a must-win situation against Spain on Sunday to close out the second round .

Canada defeated Spain, 85-80, during the teams’ exhibition schedule on Aug. 17. Gilgeous-Alexander had 22 points and eight rebounds.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup will help seven countries qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The seven spots include the top two teams from both the Americas and Europe (not including host France) and one team from Africa, Asia and Oceania.

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Serbia advances to second round of FIBA World Cup after perfect group phase

Serbia will face Italy on Friday in the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

After posting a 3-0 record in the group phase of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the Serbian men’s national team will advance to the second round beginning on Friday.

Serbia opened the tournament by defeating China on Saturday, 105-63. The team followed with a 94-77 win over Puerto Rico on Monday and it wrapped up the group phase on Wednesday with a 115-83 victory over South Sudan to finish atop Group B.

Bogdan Bogdanovic led Serbia through its first three games, averaging 18 points, 5.7 assists and 3.7 rebounds. Nikola Jovic averaged 17 points per game and Nikola Milutinov posted 13.3 points and 10.3 rebounds to help Serbia secure a spot in the second round.

Philadelphia rookie Filip Petrusev suffered an ankle injury versus China and was held out of action against Puerto Rico and South Sudan as a precaution. He produced eight points on Saturday.

Serbia will face Italy (2-1) on Friday to begin the second round in Group I. The team will then play the Dominican Republic (3-0) on Sunday in the final game of the second round. The top two teams from the group, which also includes Puerto Rico, will advance to the quarterfinals.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup will help seven countries qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The seven spots include the top two teams from the Americas and Europe, and one team from Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Bogdanovic & Co. entered the tournament with the fifth-best odds of winning. The country has medaled once (2014, silver) and last qualified for the Olympics in 2016 when it won the silver medal.

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Canada Basketball: Best photos from 55-point win over Lebanon in FIBA World Cup

Canada improved to 2-0 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup with the victory as nine players scored in double figures.

RJ Barrett produced 17 points, Trae Bell-Haynes added 15 points and eight assists and Canada cruised to a 128-73 win over Lebanon on Sunday in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Canada improved to 2-0 in group play with the victory as nine players scored in double figures. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 12 points, five rebounds and five assists, Kelly Olynyk had 12 points and eight rebounds and Zach Edey scored 12 points and four rebounds.

Playing without Luguentz Dort due to soreness, Canada held a 66-30 lead at halftime and pushed its advantage to 61 points midway through the fourth quarter. The team tied a country record with 128 points and set an all-time tournament record with 44 assists.

With the win, Canada maintains its position atop Group H through two games. The team is a virtual lock to advance to the second round with one contest left to play on Tuesday against Latvia (1-0), who plays its second game later Sunday morning.

Canada entered the FIBA Basketball World Cup with the third-highest odds of winning, behind the United States and France, who it beat by 30 points on Friday. The group can clinch a berth in the Paris Olympics if it finishes in the top two of the Americas region.

The 55-point win continued a dominating start to the tournament for Canada. The spirits were high for the players throughout the contest and it produced some great sights from the event.

Here are some of the best photos from the victory.