US beat Slovenia

The United States showed off their talent in depth once again yesterday when they cleared their bench in a 99-77 victory over Slovenia at the world championships.

The US started strongly, building a big lead that they would hold on to for the rest of the match.

With the Americans shutting out their opponents’ main scoring option Goran Dragic (seven points), Slovenia struggled early to find another shooting option as the US raced out to a 32-11 lead by the end of the opening quarter.

Slovenia fought back in the second period, assisted in no small part by their big man Primoz Brezec who began to muscle up on defence (five points, three rebounds).

However, the US didn’t panic, and through some strong shooting from Kevin Durant, who led all scoring with 15 for the half, they were able to continue to build their advantage to take a 42-28 lead into half-time.

It was a lead they would only further extend in the third quarter. USA turned it on for the crowd in the final quarter as four of their players went on to join Durant in double figures (Tyson Gay 16, Iguoala 11, Russel Westbrook 11 and Kevin Love 10).

Other results: China vs Ivory Coast 83-73; Jordan vs Angola 79-65; Lithuania vs Canada 70-68.