FIBA World Cup 2023: USA ease past Jordan to enter second round with perfect record
The US men defeated Jordan comfortably in their final Group C match, having already advanced to the second round. They will face Montenegro next in Phase 2 of the Olympic qualifying event
Basketball
Pre-tournament favourites USA put in another dominant basketball performance and beat Jordan 110-62 at the men's 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila on Wednesday (30 August).
The USA were already through to the second round thanks to wins over New Zealand and Greece in their first two group games, and completed a perfect three-from-three with a comfortable victory over Jordan.
Anthony Edwards finished with a team-high 22 points and 4 assists, Bobby Portis Jr. scored 13 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. made 12 points in the blowout win.
Led by Edwards, who outscored Jordan himself with 13 points in the first quarter, the US lead 31-12 after the first ten minutes.
The USA were overpowering Jordan on both ends in the first half, and the score was 62-33 at half time.
In the third quarter, the USA maintained their domination with Edwards and Jackson Jr being instrumental in blitzing Jordan.
They eased off a bit in the beginning of the fourth quarter, but there was no doubt about the result, and the US secured a win by 48 points. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was Jordan's top scorer making 20 points.
“Staying aggressive, staying confident, it’s just something that I do. It paid off today," Edwards said according to the Guardian.
“It’s always fun when everybody gets to play and contribute,” USA head coach Steve Kerr added.
In Phase 2 of the tournament, the US will next face runner-up of Group D Montenegro on Friday (1 September) and the winner of Group D Lithuania on Sunday (3 September), with both games taking place in Manila, Philippines.
FIBA World Cup 2023 concludes on 10 September with the final taking place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila.
The event is a direct qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics.