MALAGA, Spain — The U.S. World Cup basketball crew acquired its first massive check of the summer season Sunday, and an ideal capturing night time from Jalen Brunson helped make sure the People handed.
Brunson was 9 for 9 from the sphere on the way in which to a team-best 21 factors, Jaren Jackson Jr. added 14 and the U.S. pulled away within the fourth quarter to beat Spain 98-88 in a pre-World Cup exhibition between event favorites. Spain is the No. 1-ranked crew on the earth based on FIBA; the U.S. is No. 2.
The People shot 67% — 71% on 2-pointers, 56% on 3-pointers, whereas holding Spain to 42% capturing.
The U.S. improved to 3-0 in its pre-World Cup tour with two video games left earlier than arriving in Manila for the event. The People have averaged 101.3 factors in these three video games in opposition to Puerto Rico (117-74), Slovenia (92-62) and Spain, with a median successful margin of 27.7 factors.
The U.S. led simply 73-72 going into the ultimate 10-minute quarter, earlier than seven straight factors down the stretch pushed the lead out to 97-84.
Tyrese Haliburton had 12 assists in just below 22 minutes off the bench for the U.S., his second double-figure help sport to date this summer season. Mikal Bridges scored 12 factors and three gamers — Brandon Ingram, Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards — every added 11.
Santi Aldama topped Spain with 14 factors. Willy Hernangomez scored 13 factors, Alex Abrines had 12 and Juancho Hernangomez 11.
The U.S. departs Monday for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for its closing two pre-World Cup video games this coming weekend in opposition to Greece and Germany. The World Cup begins within the Philippines, Indonesia and Japan on Aug. 25; the People begin their World Cup slate on Aug. 26.
