USA Men's National Team Falls to Lithuania at 2022 FIBA 3x3 World Cup
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The USA Basketball Men’s 3x3 National Team’s run at the 2022 FIBA 3x3 World Cup came to an end on Saturday with a setback to Lithuania, 21-11, in the quarterfinals at the Groenplaats in Antwerp, Belgium.
Lithuania was effective offensively and the USA fell into an early 6-2 hole just three minutes into play. Dominique Jones and Kidani Brutus hit back-to-back twos to pull the U.S. within a point but Lithuania responded.
The 7-6 score ballooned to 15-7 as the Lithuanians hit three consecutive 2-pointers in an 8-1 run. Despite their best efforts, the U.S. was unable to climb back into the game late.
The USA was in the position to play in the quarterfinals after an exhilarating win over New Zealand earlier in the day.
The battle-tested Tall Blacks were formidable, and the game came down to the final moment.
A late 6-0 New Zealand run gave them a 20-17 advantage with 3:42 left. Facing game-point, Khalil Iverson took over in an inspiring comeback. His defense led to a James Parrot layup and on the ensuing play, he stole the ball and hit a step-back two-pointer to tie the game. The USA would force another New Zealand miss and then seal the comeback on an alley-oop, courtesy of Jones to Iverson.
Different than five-on-five, 3x3 is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and 12-second shot clock. Play is continuous, as teams “clear” the ball behind the 2-point line following a made basket, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-pointer field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins.