The 2019 FIBA World Cup is under way in China, with opening round play running from Aug 31. to Sept. 5. While we closely track the U.S. Men’s National Team, here’s a quick look at all the action from FIBA World Cup play on Sept. 4.
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Serbia 92, Italy 77
Sacramento Kings forward Bogdan Bogdanovic erupted for 31 points, five assists and five steals as Serbia rolled past Italy 92-77 to finish 3-0 in the group stage.
Denver Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic added 15 points, six rebounds and four assists in 24 minutes, while Sacramento Kings forward Nemanja Bjelica tallied seven rebounds and nine assists. Serbia finished the game with 24 assists on 27 made field goals.
Italy was led by Oklahoma City forward Danilo Gallinari, who scored 26 points with eight rebounds. Italy (2-1) and Serbia both advance to the second round after finishing in the top two spots on Group D.
Both teams advance to Group J, which will include the top finishers from Group C (Spain and Puerto Rico).
Spain 73, Iran 65
Spain completed an undefeated run through Group C with a 73-65 win over Iran on Wednesday. Toronto Raptors center Marc Gasol led the team with 16 points and six rebounds, while Phoenix Suns guard Ricky Rubio added five points and five assists. Spain now heads to Wuhan, China for Group J, which will include Serbia, Italy and Puerto Rico.
Iran finished the group stage with an 0-3 record. Former NBA player Hamed Haddadi tallied 10 points, 15 rebounds and six assists in the loss to Spain.
Argentina 69, Russia 61
Argentina finished Group B action with a 69-61 win over Russia to improve to 3-0 in the tournament. Facundo Campazzo led the team with 21 points, six rebounds and seven assists, while former NBA veteran Luis Scola added 13 points and eight rebounds in 32 minutes. Argentina advances to Group I, where they will compete against Russia, Poland and Venezuela in Foshan, China.
Russia, who had already punched their ticket to the next round before the loss on Wednesday, finishes Group B action with a record of 2-1.
Venezuela 72, China 59
The tournament run for host country China ended in disappointment with a 72-59 loss to Venezuela in Beijing. Venezuela was led by Heissler Guillent, who tallied 15 points and eight rebounds in the win. Venezuela advances to Group I, where they will play Poland, Argentina and Russia.
Former NBA player Yi Jianlian scored 11 points with eight rebounds in the loss. China finishes the tournament with a record of 1-2.
Poland 80, Cote d’Ivoire 63
After a thrilling overtime win over China on Monday, Poland powered past Cote d’Ivoire 80-63 on Wednesday to finish the group stage with an undefeated record. Adam Waczynski was the leading scorer for Poland with 16 points and six assists in 25 minutes. Poland moves on to Group I, which includes Argentina, Russia and Venezuela.
Cote d’Ivoire finished the tournament with an 0-3 record. Charles Abouo was a bright spot for his team and scored 23 points, six rebounds and two assists in the loss to Poland.
Puerto Rico 67, Tunisia 64
Puerto Rico punched their ticket to the second round with a 67-64 win over Tunisia. Former NBA player Renaldo Balkman was the leading scorer for Puerto Rico with 14 points and nine rebounds. Puerto Rico advances to Group J, where they will compete against Spain, Serbia and Italy.
Tunisia (1-2) is eliminated from the tournament with the loss. Former Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri was solid during the tournament and tallied 14 points and nine rebounds in the loss to Puerto Rico.
Nigeria 108, Korea 66
Former NBA player Ike Diogu scored 16 points with six rebounds to lead Nigeria to its first win at the World Cup. Guna RA led the way for Korea with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
Both teams were eliminated from second round contention after starting with 0-2 records in Group B.
Angola 84, Philippines 81
Former NBA player Andray Blatche was the leading scorer for Philippines with 23 points and 12 rebounds in their loss to Angola on Wednesday.
Both teams were eliminated from second round contention after starting with 0-2 records in Group D.
