The United States men’s basketball team was stunned by Germany in the semifinals of the FIBA World Cup on Friday night, losing 113-111. The loss is a major upset, as the US was the overwhelming favorite to win the tournament.
The US got off to a slow start, trailing by as many as 10 points in the first half. However, they rallied to take a 60-59 lead into halftime. Germany came out strong in the third quarter, outscoring the US 35-24 to take a 94-84 lead. The US made a late comeback attempt, but they could not get any closer than 106 -108.
Anthony Edwards led the way for the US with 23 points and 8 rebounds, followed by Austin Reaves with 21 pts. For the Germans, Franz Wagner added 22 points for Germany, and Andreas Obst led all scorers with 24 points. Dennis Schroder, who have been best player in the roster, chipped-in 17 pts and 9 assists.
The loss is a major disappointment for the US, who have won the World Cup four times in the past five tournaments. It is also a setback for the development of the US men’s basketball program, which has been struggling in recent years.
The US will now play Canada in the bronze medal game on Sunday. Germany will play Serbia in the championship game.
Andreas Obst torched USA to help Germany advance to the Final and earn TCL Player of the Game honors! 🔥
📊 24 PTS | 6 AST | 4 3PM | 24 EFF#FIBAWC x #WinForDeutschland 🇩🇪 | #InspireGreatness pic.twitter.com/eosGITNAlb
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023
SNIPER IN THE BUILDING 🎯#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/Xo3vgIaPwM
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023
ANDREAS, OBST ON EARTH?!? 😱#FIBAWC x #WinForDeutschland 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/Tl8wo0irJD
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023
Dennis the Menace orchestrating it all.
26' | 🇺🇸 71-79 🇩🇪
📊 9 PTS | 6 AST | 2 REB | 2 STL#FIBAWC x #WinForAll pic.twitter.com/F2mQJ7CY1X
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 🏆 (@FIBAWC) September 8, 2023
