Germany beats USA team and heads to its 1st FIBA World Cup

USA assembled its roster and decided on its game plan for this World Cup cycle, it made a bet. It was a sensible bet, and the Americans stacked the deck as much as they could to try to win it, but the reality was they entered knowing they left themselves exposed.

That wager -- that size differential could be overcome with other attributes -- has failed. Germany, another European team that towered over the Americans, used the given advantage and beat Team USA 113-111 in the world semifinals Friday.

Franz Wagner and Daniel Theis, beat the U.S. 113-111 in Manila to reach its first final at an Olympics or worlds (Sunday versus Serbia).

It was Germany’s first win over the U.S. in their ninth meeting in the Dream Team era (since 1992).

The U.S. has lost two games at a second consecutive World Cup and in those defeats broke the record for the most points it has allowed at an Olympics or worlds.

RJ Barrett scored 23 for Canada (5-2), which was bidding to make the World Cup final for the first time. It'll face the Germany-U.S. loser for the bronze on Sunday, when the Canadians will try for their most significant international medal since winning silver at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

"Credit to Serbia. They played a great game," Barrett said. "They played hard, they played physical, they're very well-coached and disciplined. Got to give them credit for that."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 15 -- 10 below his tournament average entering the day.

"I'm proud of my guys," Canada coach Jordi Fernandez said. "It was not perfect. We were OK offensively. We were atrocious defensively. When a team shoots 62% from the field and 45% from 3, obviously something was not done well and we didn't prepare well enough for the game."

 Team USA will take on Canada this Sunday for third place, while Germany and Serbia fight for the gold.

Germany shut down the Americans in the highest scoring semifinal match in FIBA Basketball World Cup history.

, but Germany will play its first World Cup final this Sunday.

 Read more

Sarah H

Also on site :

• FaZe Clan Content House Closes: Stars Exit, Esports Takes Center Stage
• Low Countries Up High: Belgium & the Netherlands’ Secret Andean Altitude Training
• Mike Sullivan doesn’t think Rangers scoring woes are all ‘doom and gloom’