After a quiet first game on Saturday against Turkey for Wisconsin’s Jonathan Davis, the Badger star improved on Sunday versus Mali. Team USA’s U19 squad won both games easily to start their FIBA World Cup Gold Medal bid.
In a 100-52 win over Mali, Davis improved on a scoreless Saturday with 7 points and 4 total rebounds. The Badger sophomore has largely been played off of the ball throughout his first two World Cup games, but regardless of his shooting struggles Team USA has been able to easily outclass their first two opponents in Latvia.
Another Big Ten rising sophomore has stood out for the Americans. Purdue’s Jaden Ivey has been a spark plug, and came off the bench on Saturday versus Turkey to lead the team in scoring with 21 points. Ivey tied for the team-high in scoring on Sunday with 14 points.
Love this sequence from Purdue's Jaden Ivey. Gets up for a defensive board and tries to push for the initial advantage in transition. Doesn't have one so resets the O then gets rewarded with a dime after a perfect cut. pic.twitter.com/KGd6VliShU
— Asher Low (@alow_33) July 3, 2021
The USA has their final group stage game on Tuesday when the Americans take on Australia at 12:30 PM CT.