USA Reaches Men's AmeriCup Semifinals as Javonte Smart Keys QF Win vs. Uruguay

The United States is moving on in the FIBA AmeriCup after downing Uruguay 83-70 on Thursday.

The quarterfinal win came after the US won its group during the group stage of the event earlier this week.

Uruguay upset the United States in the group stage, handing the US its only loss in AmeriCup so far. Uruguay came into Thursday's matchup hoping for another upset, and it managed to keep things tight for most of the contest.

Uruguay went into the half leading Team USA 45-38, but the United States came storming back thanks to a few early baskets from Javonte Smart and Tyler Cavanaugh. A back-and-forth third quarter eventually gave Team USA a 63-60 lead heading into the final period.

The United States slowly built its lead and eventually increased the lead to double digits, which was enough separation to hold off a late run from Uruguay.

Smart, a former star at LSU and current member of the Orlando Magic's G League squad, led the way for Team USA behind 27 points.

Uruguay's Santiago Vescovi, a former standout at Tennessee, posted 17, but it wasn't enough to keep his team alive.

With the win, Team USA punched its ticket to the semifinals, where it will face Brazil on Saturday.