What: FIBA World Cup, Semifinals: Lithuania vs. United States
When: Thursday, September 11 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Live Stream: ESPN
FIBA World Cup Schedule:
Semifinals: Sept. 11-Sept. 12
Thursday September 11:
Lithuania vs. United States
Friday September 12:
France vs. Serbia
Finals: Sept. 13-Sept. 14
The Americans had the day off Wednesday after a definitive victory against Slovenia on Tuesday, but the United States still had a victory. Spain, the team that was seem as the biggest threat to the United States in the tournament, fell to France 65-52 in a huge upset.
The Americans look to avoid similar heartbreak against a Lithuanian team that is led by Toronto Raptors big man, Jonas Valanciunas. Shutting down Valanciunas will be the key for the United States as he averages a team high 12.9 points and 8.6 rebounds for the World Cup.
United States coach Mike Krzyzewski said that motivation will not be an issue as these players want to be here and represent their country. Coach K spoke to the The Associated Press and said that the World Cup is a basketball focused event and the team is very excited to be a part of it.
“To the basketball people of the world, this is the event. Remember, the Olympics is every sport, so you've got a bunch of people who are excited about swimming, track, all the events, and you put them together and it creates this spectacle that basketball is a part of.
Basketball's not a part of this event. Basketball is the event and there's a big difference and we've learned that.”
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