Germany stuns USA to make 1st FIBA World Cup final

Germany stunned Team USA to book its first FIBA World Cup appearance.

The Germans upset the Americans, 113-111, on Friday in their semifinals face-off in the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Germany relied on a strong third quarter performance as they outscored the United States, 35-24, to take a 94-84 lead. USA had the upper hand at the end of the first half, 60-59.

The United States made a late rally and cut its deficit to one, 108-107, with 1:35 remaining in the final period before Andreas Obst hit a triple and widened their lead, 111-107.

Dennis Schroder further widened the gap to six after a jumper before Austin Reaves finished a dunk to inch closer, 113-109. Reaves made a late tip-in before the Germans eventually claimed the win.

Obst waxed hot from beyond the arc with four triples for his 24-point output, while Franz Wagner and Daniel Theis chipped in 22 and 21 points, respectively.

Anthony Edwards led the Americans with 23 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while Reaves added 21 points.

This is Germany's first finals appearance in the FIBA World Cup, while this is the second straight edition of the tourney where the United States missed the finals as it placed seventh overall in 2019.

Earlier, Serbia defeated Canada, 95-86.

Germany will face Serbia in the finals on Sunday, while Team USA will go against Canada in the battle for third.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News