A clear favorite of the 2010 FIBA World Cup team USA progressed through to the semifinals by beating Russia with a lower margin than expected.
For some reason, stands in Istanbul were not full during the match, which was played on a relatively high level. Russians managed not to lose in the first quarter of the game but could no longer withstand a great attacking power of the US basketball team.
Most valuable player of the game became Kevin Durant as Oklahoma City “Thunders” forward scored 33 points in 37 minutes. Chesney Billups converted 4 out of 8 three-pointers and brought 15 points along with 5 assists for his team.
In David Blutt team the most, 17 points were scored by Sergei Bykov, while forward of CSKA Moscow Andrei Voroncevich scored 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds by completing so double-double.
In the other quarterfinal match, Lithuania totally outscored Argentina. Baltic team started demoralizing South American side straight from the first quarter by winning the first ten minute period with a score of 28:18. Afterwards, Lithuanians were increasing their lead. Fellows of Sergio Fernandes “woke up” only in the fourth quarter and beat the opponent with 13 points but it was too little too late for the blues. Lithuania’s margin was so big that the final score of the game is 104:85.
Seven Lithuanian players managed to score points in this match and all seven of them (!) scored the double digits. Traditionally, the most points were scored by forward of Toronto “Raptors” Linas Kleiza (17 points, 9 boards). Carlos Delfino ended the match with the most points among both teams’ players recording 25 of them; however these points did not give any profit for Argentina.
Today, Russia will play against Argentina for the 5th – 8th place along with Slovenia and Spain. Semifinal match between USA and Lithuania will be held on September 11th.
World Championship in Basketball. Turkey. 1/8 Final
USA– Russia 89:79 (25:25, 19:14, 26:17, 19:23)
Lithuania– Argentina 104:85 (28:18, 22:12, 35:23, 19:32)
