Jordan Falls Short as Team USA Slam Dunks in World Cup Showdown

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In a pivotal showdown at the FIBA World Cup 2023, Jordan’s hoops squad came up short against the powerhouse USA team, falling 62-110 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. The halftime scoreboard read a daunting 62-33 in favor of Team USA.

Jordan’s starting five saw a mix-up, with wingman Amin Abu Hawas joining Freddy Ibrahim and Sami Bazia on the perimeter. Big men Ronde Jefferson and Ahmed Doueiri were down in the paint. On the other side, USA’s coach, Steve Kerr, banked on Anthony Edwards, Michael Bridges, Galen Bronson, Garn Jackson, and Josh Hart to lay down the law on the hardwood.

Khaled Amiri, the delegate of the Jordanian Sports Media Union, recounted that Team USA set the pace early, going on an 8-0 run. Jefferson then sunk a mid-range jumper for Jordan’s first points. However, quick buckets from Bronson and a trey by Edwards shifted momentum back to the Americans. Despite aggressive drives to the hoop by Doueiri, Hashem Abbas, and Kanaan, Team USA took the first quarter with a commanding 31-12 lead.

Jordan started the second quarter strong, netting 8 straight points, including a couple from Jefferson and his free-throw prowess. However, buckets from Panchero and Ingram, both inside and beyond the arc, kept the USA’s lead comfortable. The half ended 62-33, with the USA outscoring Jordan 31-21 in the second stanza.

Despite spirited plays from Freddie, Jefferson, Doueiri, and Abu Hawas in the third, Team USA’s all-stars continued their court dominance, pushing the score to 87-49, outpacing Jordan 25-16 in the third.

In the final quarter, the “Jordan Falcons” made attempts to close the gap with scores from Shaher, Kanaan, and Jefferson. But with Austin Tyler and his teammates firing from all cylinders, Team USA sealed the game at 110-62, taking the last stretch 23-13.

//Petra// AA