At the start of the second round in Group J of the FIBA World Cup, Montenegro lost to the United States 85:73.
The NBA rhythm at the start of the first quarter was better for Montenegro, which led with 11:4. The reaction on the other side was shown by Josh Hart and Tyrese Haliburton, thanks to which the USA went to the first break with a half-basket lead.
The second quarter was marked by many mini-series and reversals, but after Steve Kerr‘s chosen ones did not adequately punish an unsportsmanlike and technical foul, Marko Simonovic brought his national team plus one before going to halftime.
The third quarter was mostly marked by a “basket for basket” game, until Haliburton put it in fifth gear at the finish, thus giving his team a six-point lead. As the match progressed, the USA’s lead on the wings of Anthony Edwards grew, and when it reached plus 10, a minute and a half before the end, it became clear that Bosko Radovic‘s team would record a defeat.
The most effective player in the United States was Anthony Edwards with 17 points, while Nikola Vucevic stood out for Montenegro with 18.
The USA remains the leader in Group J with a score of 4-0, while the national team of Montenegro recorded its second defeat at the FIBA World Cup.
In the next match, Montenegro will play against the Greek national team, while the USA will fight for the first place in the group with Lithuania.