USA Men Take Down Top Ranked Spain in FIBA Exhibition

The US Men’s World Cup basketball team took on the world’s top ranked team on Sunday night in an exhibition game against Spain. Spain came into the game as the top ranked team according to FIBA with the U.S. right behind them as the number two team in the world. The USA took down the Spaniards 98-88 to move to 3-0 in pre world cup matches. 

Jalen Brunson led the way for the Americans with 21 points on a perfect 9-9 shooting. Jaren Jackson Jr had 14 points of his own and Tyrese Haliburton spread the wealth with 12 assists. It was a balanced effort as Mikal Bridges, Brandon Ingram, Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards all had double digit points as well.

The USA shot nearly 70% while holding Spain to just 42% from the field and shutting down the Spanish offense late in the game. The USA had a one-point lead heading into the fourth quarter before outscoring Spain 25-16 over the final ten minutes. The US didn’t allow any player for Spain to score more than 14 points and showcased impressive defense throughout the game.

The win over top ranked Spain helped the US to improve to 3-0 in exhibitions after recently blowing out Slovenia and Puerto Rico. The Americans will head to the United Arab Emirates this week for their final pre-world cup tune up games against Germany and Greece. The World Cup officially tips off on August 25^th with the American’s first game scheduled for August 26^th.