Team USA remains undefeated in the ongoing 2023 FIBA World Cup after an 85-73 win against Montenegro on Friday, September 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Anthony Edwards scored 17 points and Austin Reaves added 12 points for the fifth victory of the Americans.
After three blowout games, the five-time World Cup champions found themselves hounded by Montenegro until the final minutes of the game.
A dunk by Marko Simonovic allowed the European squad to take the lead, 85-73, at the end of the first half due to a dunk by Marko Simonovic.
With less than two minutes left in the final period, back-to-baskets by Jaren Jackson Jr. and Mikal Bridges finally allowed team USA to break away from Montenegro, 79-69.
Kendrick Perry managed to cut the deficit down to eight, 81-73, for Montenegro before Jackson and Reaves buried the charities that secured the victory of Team USA.
Nikola Vucevic, who plays for the NBA team Chicago Bulls, finished with 18 points and 16 rebounds while Perry registered 14 points for Montenegro.
Team USA expects to face another tough challenge in the game against Lithuania on Sunday, September 3, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Lithuania also remains undefeated in the World Cup.
