By Pierce Feltner
The United States basketball team defeated Mexico 86-63 in the FIBA World Cup this morning. After a slow start the United States found a rhythm with Steph Curry in the second half.
Curry led the team in points with 20, despite not needing to play much in the fourth quarter. Mexico made a late run in the fourth quarter to narrow the margin.
“As the roster shapes the way it is you understand what’s needed of you and it becomes more real,” Curry said.
The Warriors guard took over in the third quarter, scoring 11 of his 20 points.
When asked how he played so well while making it look easy, Curry responded “Living in the moment. Enjoying it. And that’s kind of what I’m doing.”
The Davidson Graduate was also unselfish, leading the team with four assists.
Kenneth Faried also played well, adding eight points and eight rebounds. The former Morehead State forward is among the team leaders on the boards, along with former Kentucky players Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins.
This game marked the start of the elimination rounds in the World Cup. The United States advances to play the winner of the Domincan Republic v. Slovenia game in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
As they advance all eyes are on the potential match up against Spain in the championship.
Spain is the only real threat to dethrone the defending champs. They are much more experienced than the United States in international play. The US makes up for the lack of experience with talent, but is less cohesive as a team. The United States players have had less time to prepare as a team, causing some problems.
The expected championship match-up should be one to keep an eye.
