Mikal Bridges catches fire as USA vents ire on Italy, books seat in FIBA WC semis

Mikal Bridges waxed hot for Team USA. FIBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—Two nights after getting stunned by Lithuania, the United States practically put on a dominant showcase against Italy en route to a 100-63 win in the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Leading the charge for Team USA in offense was Mikal Bridges, who caught fire with 24 points on 8-of-11 shooting in just three quarters.

However, Team USA turned to defense to vent its ire on Italy, holding the latter to just 24 points at halftime, the second-lowest first-half score in a FIBA World Cup quarterfinal.

Bridges also had seven rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block for Team USA, which will await the winner of the Germany-Latvia game on Wednesday night ahead of their Friday semifinals.

Tyrese Haliburton added 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from long range, four rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block.

Paolo Banchero, playing against the team he was initially committing to before switching allegiance, made eight points as well as Brandon Ingram.

Simone Fontecchio led Italy, which was relegated to the fifth-eighth place classification round, with 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks.

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