FIBA World Cup Schedule 2014: Complete Preview Heading into Semifinals
There have been a number of surprises throughout the FIBA World Cup, but we are now down to four teams all fighting for a gold medal.
While Spain was considered a top contender as the host nation with a number of NBA stars on the roster, the squad was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals. This makes the United States the overwhelming favorite to win its next two games, but it is clear anything can happen in this competitive tournament.
All four remaining teams have a chance to take home gold with two wins, while one more win will at least secure a medal. Here is a look at what each team has to do to reach that goal.
United States vs. Lithuania
When: Thursday, September 11
Time: 3 p.m. ET
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Watch: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN3
The United States has not faced incredibly difficult competition in this tournament so far, winning all six of its games by at least 20 points.
Anthony Davis and Kenneth Faried have been almost unstoppable in the low post, averaging a combined 26.7 points and 15.1 rebounds per game. Their pure athleticism, combined with incredible work ethic, has helped them lead become leaders of this young squad.
Arash Markazi of ESPN explains that Spain's loss in the quarterfinals makes an American title much more likely:
Still, head coach Mike Krzyzewski knows what he is up against in Lithuania. Team USA barely escaped with a win against this opponent at the 2012 Olympics, while Jonas Valanciunas is playing as well as ever as a leader for this squad.
"He gets a piece of the paint in numerous ways, and then he is a great offensive rebounder,” Krzyzewski said of the Toronto Raptors star, via Chris Kudialas of the Detroit Free Press. “Not a good one, but a great one."
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated sees the center as a threat for the United States big men:
Just as importantly, Lithuania has hit 40 percent of its three-point shots in this tournament and can find ways to score against a more athletic opponent. This will help ensure this game remains close throughout.
That being said, Team USA is simply too good to stop and should come through with a tough win.
Prediction: USA 88, Lithuania 80
France vs. Serbia
When: Friday, September 12
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Where: Madrid, Spain
Watch: ESPN2
Live Stream: ESPN3
Few expected either France or Serbia to make it to this point in the tournament. France and Serbia finished third and fourth in Group A, respectively, and had subpar performances against the top teams in the group.
However, the quarterfinals featured major upsets for both teams, as each squad was able to avenge a loss from earlier in the tournament.
France had an impressive showing in a 65-52 win over Spain, utilizing its size inside to get the advantage over the elite frontcourt of Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka. Rudy Gobert especially stood out in the victory, as John Schuhmann of NBA.com pointed out:
Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated joked about how good the center was in the defensive battle:
With Boris Diaw and Thomas Heurtel also coming through with big performances, the French were able to pull off the massive upset over the host nation and biggest rival.
While you would think France could keep this momentum to possibly move into the finals, it is important not to count out Serbia, which had a dominant victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals.
Like Spain, Brazil was expected to advance thanks to its NBA talent. As HoopsHype noted, this did not go as planned:
Milos Teodosic led the way with a game-high 23 points, including 10-of-10 shooting from the free-throw line, as he was clearly unafraid of contact. The entire squad has continually improved throughout the tournament and is now playing as well as ever.
When these two teams face off in the semifinals, expect the competition to be a lot like the first time they played when France edged out a 74-73 victory. Boris Diaw hit a game-tying shot with 18 seconds left before Joffrey Lauvergne put his team ahead for good with a made free throw in the final seconds.
France has the size inside to make a difference in this game while still waiting for the outside shooting of Nicolas Batum and Evan Fournier to come around. Although this matchup should be close, the French should be able to pull off the narrow win.
Prediction: France 67, Serbia 63
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