Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves was among three U.S. players in double figures in a 100-63 rout of Italy in a FIBA Basketball World Cup quarterfinal Tuesday in Manila, the Philippines.
Reaves scored 12 points on three-of-four shooting, including making two of three 3-point shots, and all four free throws in 19 minutes, 55 seconds off the bench.
Brooklyn Nets forward Mikal Bridges scored a game-high 24 points and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton added 18 in 19:45 off the bench as the Americans advanced to a semifinal at 5:40 a.m. Friday Pacific Daylight Time against the winner of Wednesday’s quarterfinal between Germany and Latvia.
The U.S. trailed twice in the opening 5:09, 6-4 and 8-7, then took the lead for good with a 13-3 run, which included 3-point baskets by Reaves, New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram and Haliburton. The Americans led 24-14 at the end of the first quarter, 46-24 at halftime and 83-44 after three quarters at Mall of Asia Arena.
Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio led Italy with 18.
Italy is 10th in the rankings compiled by FIBA, basketball’s international governing body, based on recent tournament performances. The U.S. is ranked second behind Spain, which failed to reach the quarterfinals.