FIBA World Cup 2014: Day 8 Schedule and Predictions After Day 7 Bracket Results
With half of the FIBA World Cup quarterfinals now filled, eight teams will compete Sunday for the final four spots in the next round.
France, Slovenia, Spainย and the United States won their games in the round of 16 and remain top contenders for medals at this tournament. However, the next set of squads also have a lot to prove after solid starts to the event.
Anything can happen in this single-elimination phase of the international event, so make sure you do not miss a second of the action. Here is a breakdown of the upcoming set of games along with results from the latest action.
| United States | 86-63 | Mexico |
| France | 69-64 | Croatia |
| Slovenia | 71-61 | Dominican Republic |
| Spain | 89-56 | Senegal |
| New Zealand vs. Lithuania | 10 a.m. | NBATV |
| Serbia vs. Greece | Noon | NBATV |
| Turkey vs. Australia | 2 p.m. | NBATV |
| Brazil vs. Argentina | 4 p.m. | NBATV |
View latest bracket at FIBA.com.ย
New Zealand vs. Lithuania
American fans had to be impressed with New Zealand's effort against Team USA; New Zealand limited the damage and only lost 98-71. The squad showcased good balance in the loss with 11 players getting on the scoreboard.
New Zealand also had an impressive showing against Ukraine thanks mostly to great perimeter defense.
This all-around ability would help this team succeed against most opponents around the world. However, Lithuania is not on that list thanks to the big-time talent on the roster, as noted by Chris Sheridan of SheridanHoops.com:
Jonasย Valanciunas has become a leader in the frontcourt alongside Donatas Motiejunas from the Houston Rockets. The big men are extremely efficient in the low post and are usually able to out-rebound their competition.
This will be the difference in the round of 16 as Lithuania will be able to continue its impressive run into the next round.
Prediction: Lithuania 74, New Zealand 65
Serbia vs. Greece
While a lot of attention in the early part of the tournament has been (deservedly) on the United States and Spain, it is important not to overlook Greece.
The Group B winners have had big performances from Kostas Kaimakoglou and Nick Calathes, while young star Giannisย Antetokounmpo is always capable of making some huge plays.
Tas Melas of NBATV believes fans should root for this team in Spain:
Serbia has some talent and almost beat France earlier in the week, but this group is not consistent enough to take on one of the top squads in the world.
Greece will win and remain a top contender in this championship.
Prediction: Greece 78, Serbia 60
Turkey vs. Australia
Australia rested many of its players in the last game, securing a third-place finish in the group instead of second. As a result, the team will now avoid the United States until the semifinals.
While some questioned the squad's "tanking," head coachย Andrej Lemanis explained, viaย Roy Ward of Theย Sydney Morning Herald,ย "As Australians we always believe in competing the right way. We were resting some players tonight because everyone knows the tournament schedule is tough with five games in six days."
The problem is while the team can look ahead toward the semifinals, Turkey will not be an easy win in the round of 16.
With Omer Asik and Oguz Savas down low, Turkey is capable of causing problems on both ends of the court. The strong interior defense will force almost every shot to be difficult and will keep the game low-scoring.
Australia has the skill to make a deep run in this tournament, but the inconsistency and lack of focus will cause an early exit.
Prediction: Turkey 68, Australia 63
Brazil vs. Argentina
It is hard to imagine a better opening-round matchup than Brazil against Argentina.
Not only are these two nations top rivals in every sport, John Schuhmann of NBA.com points out the battles have been entertaining in basketball's highest level:
Luis Scola has been carrying Argentina with some great performances throughout the week, but things will be much more difficult against a front line that includesย Anderson Varejao, Tiago Splitter and Nene.
Leandrinho Barbosa is coming off a great game against Egypt, totaling 22 points, five assists and four steals. If he can continue being a catalyst for this offense, he will help Brazil continue its winning ways against Argentina.
Prediction: Brazil 88, Argentina 86
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