How Will the Loss Against Lithuania Affect Anthony Edwards and Co.? Will Team USA Still Play in the Quarterfinal at Fiba World Cup?

After maintaining a strong winning streak until now, Team USA suffered their first defeat at the hands of Lithuania. With a 110-104 victory, European power Lithuania crushed the USA in the final game of the group play at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Ever since its independence, this was the Baltic country?s third win over the USA. The Mall of Asia witnessed an intense showdown on Sunday. However, the big question remains. Will Team USA, led by Anthony Edwards, still qualify for the quarter-finals?

Lithuania crushes the USA to take the top spot

After clinching an 85-73 win over Montenegro, Team USA was ready to face off Lithuania, after Lithuania?s win over Greece. Team Lithuania went berserk in the first quarter with a 31-12 dramatic lead over the USA. It was already trailing behind 19 points in the first quarter, while Lithuania scored a staggering nine three-pointers.

However, they did make efforts to come back in the third quarter, but the damage was already done. Squashing all their efforts to succeed, Mindaugas Kuzminskas scored an insane three-pointer with just four minutes left into the game.

Minnesota Timberwolves? Anthony Edwards, however, emerged as a star player, scoring 35 points. He became the first player from the United States to do so. Sadly, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Brandon Ingram were the only ones to join him in the two-digits in points. On the other hand, 7 Lithuanians scored in double figures, led by the 29-year-old Vaidas Kariniauskas? 15 points and 4 rebounds.

Will the USA qualify for the quarterfinals?

However, from a larger perspective, the crushing defeat will not hamper the USA in any meaningful way. If anything, it will only fuel their fire to step up their game and win the next matchup. Despite the loss, it is a relief that the USA has saved a seat in the quarterfinals. After Serbia?s victory over the Dominican Republic, Team USA secured a position among the two seeds from the two American continents. With its defeat, it will take the No. 2 seed, advancing to the quarterfinals against Italy. The defeat will not affect the USA much, as its 4-0 record was enough to get it through the knockout stage.

Read More: Which Team Will Break the Deadlock to Face Team USA in the Quarterfinals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup?

The USA will now face Italy in the quarterfinal matchups in Manila. Italy defeated Puerto Rico with a 73-57 win, marking a spot in the quarterfinals for the first time in 25 years. With the current Team USA roster, it is looking optimistic about America. However, the Italians have the same record of 4-1, so the USA needs to watch out and up their game in the next matchup against Italy.

Watch this story: Stunned by Lithuania at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, When Was the Last Time Team USA Lost to the Baltic European Country?