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DAY 4 FIBA FROM RIGA: THE HEAT IS ON! USA BLASTS AUSTRALIA

USA goes 3-0 in Riga in Fiba World Cup.
USA goes 3-0 in Riga in Fiba World Cup.

The heat is on. Tonight’s game in Riga was hot – no air conditioning and three games prior had the spectators gathered for the 8:30 PM Team USA v. Team Australia game fanning themselves from the jump.

Team USA jumped out to a nine-point lead with a balanced attack started by an easy two from Kenneth Lofton, a three from Mike Miles, and a layup by Ivey. Australia regrouped with a timeout. This all occurred in the first two minutes before Australia put its first two points (by Gak) on the board.

Once Australia was on the board, it didn’t take long for every athlete to be sweat-soaked as they battled back and forth through in the first half in a sweltering gym. Australia came to play and made it a game even tying the game at one point. Team USA finished the half ahead by 2 points, 44 to 42.

After halftime USA never looked back as they turned up the heat on Australia in an already balmy environment. While the first half was largely a showcase for Team USA’s guards, the second half saw the full team effort on display.

For Team USA: Lofton and Miles were the high scorers at 16 each; five players were in double digits (Lofton, Miles, Chandler, Holmgren, and Ivey); Holmgren led with 4 blocks, and Chandler, Miles, and Holmgren each had 3 assists.

Momentum matters and Team USA’s began with a series of blocks by Holmgren, including his signature coast-to-coast play with a pin at the rim, a snatch, and a fast break, weaving through traffic for a layup. In a five-minute stretch, Holmgren dominated and was solely responsible for an 11 point swing en route to another USA win. The final score was almost as hot at the air - Team USA 87, Australia 66.

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