USA vents ire in 37-point blowout of Italy, books FIBA World Cup semis ticket

Mikal Bridges caught fire early as the United States put on a clinic, ripping Italy in a 100-63 blowout to advance to the semifinals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Coming off a loss to now-eliminated Lithuania in the second round, the favored Americans made sure to make a statement as they swept past the Italians in a lopsided result.

Bridges put together 24 points highlighted by a 10-point outburst in the third period, where the Americans built a huge 39-point lead, 81-42, before ending the frame enjoying a comfortable 83-44 cushion. The US squad was dominant from the get-go, winning the first three quarters by 10, 12, and 17 points, respectively.

The Brooklyn Nets star, who was just averaging 9.8 points and 2.3 rebounds prior tonight, also posted seven rebounds and one assist in the win.

Tyrese Haliburton, who finished with 18 points on six three-pointers, fired three straight triples halfway through the payoff period to send USA to a 92-51 advantage despite Italy gaining some momentum after opening the quarter with a 7-0 run.

The win allowed USA to extend its mastery of Italy in the World Cup stage as the last time the Azzurri beat the Americans was in 1978, which was, incidentally, hosted by the Philippines as well.

USA will next face either Germany or Latvia in the final four.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News