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

Team USA had a wake-up call against Montenegro in the first game of the second round of the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Given the NBA talent on the roster, the team is expected to win the tournament. However, it is easier said than done as other teams are here to compete as well. And Montenegro showed that with a spirited performance. But the young Eagles were able to fend off their opponents and clinched an 85-73 win. After the win, the team booked their place in the Quarterfinals. But which team will they face?

After winning all three of their matchups in the first round, Team USA marched to the second. But Montenegro gave a run for their money. The game was very close, but the USA prevailed. However, it was their lowest win margin in the competition.

Which team might face Team USA in the Quarterfinals?

Team USA was placed in Group C in the first round with Greece, New Zealand, and Jordan. As leaders of the group, they were placed in Group J with Lithuania, Montenegro, and Greece in the second round. As the USA defeated Montenegro, Lithuania defeated Greece.

The two wins have confirmed the places of both the USA and Lithuania in the Quarterfinals. However, the results of two more games will decide who will the Americans face in the next round.

In another high-octane Group J matchup, Team USA will face joint group leaders Lithuania next. Currently, both nations lead the group with four wins and eight points each. According to FIBA, the winner of their match-up will become the leader of the group and will face the second-placed team from Group I and vice versa.

Group I consists of Serbia, the Dominican Republic, Italy, and Puerto Rico. Interestingly, all four teams in Group I are in a deadlock with three wins in four games with seven points as per FIBA. Given this, Team USA could be matched up against any of the four countries in the Quarterfinals.

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After winning all three games in the first round, Serbia and the Dominican Republic looked like they would comfortably reach the Quarterfinals. However, both teams had a major slip-up in their first game of the second round.

The deadlock in Group I

Dominican Republic led by Karl-Anthony Towns lost a close game against Puerto Rico which ended 97-102. Similarly, in another tightly contested game, Serbia lost 76-78 against Italy. This has made things tough for Serbia and the Dominican Republic.

As both teams face off next, only the winner will be able to move to the Quarterfinals. On the other hand, after their inspired performances Puerto Rico and Italy still need another win when they face each other to book their places in the Quarterfinals.

The uncertainty in the outcomes of Group I adds more spice to the tournament. If we assume Team USA will top their group, it is a possibility they will face the winners of the game between Puerto Rico and Italy. The two teams currently occupy the third and fourth spots in their groups.

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So, if other metrics did not change much, the winner of the game should take the second spot and will face the Americans in the Quarterfinals.