The first step: US blows open contentious game against Aussies

The US free-throw shooting woes continued with a 58-percent performance. Australia’s success came when they kept turnovers down early. It was a spurt of giveaways that fueled the US runs in the late second and early third quarters.

Another odd theme in this game was how the Aussies tried to get under the skin of the US. They made sure to knock down the Americans frequently and words were frequently exchanged with either opponents or refs.

To that end the Australians also showed little respect in the friendly meeting between theses teams by referring to the NBA stars by their number rather then their names. This apparently enraged the members of Team USA.

Is that really the best response? These players have more money, respect and play in a far better league than most of the Aussie players. Why they would let something as stupid as not knowing their names both them is beyond me.

Then again, Coach K referred to the Greek players by number after losing in 2006.

Now the US can sit back and wait to see who there next opponent will be.

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