Team USA not looking past Mexico
If Team USA figures to get tested at all in the FIBA Americas Championship, it figures to be on Thursday.
That’s when the Americans face Argentina to complete the second round. Both teams went undefeated in their respective pools during the preliminary round, which concluded Sunday, as the USA went 4-0 in Group B while Argentina did likewise in Group A.
But before Thursday night’s marquee matchup, both teams will have business to take care of.
Eight teams remain alive for the coveted two spots from this zone for next summer’s Olympics in Beijing.
The top four teams from the second round will square off in Saturday’s semifinals. The two semifinal winners automatically will qualify for the Olympics and play for the FIBA Americas gold medal at 4 p.m. Sunday.
Team USA will meet Mexico at 8 tonight and then play Puerto Rico at 8 p.m. Tuesday and Uruguay at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Thursday’s game with Argentina tips off at 9 p.m., and all four games will be televised live on ESPN2 (Cable 31).
“We’re getting better each game,” USA forward Carmelo Anthony said. “Our defensive intensity has been great, and we want that to continue in the second round.”
USA coach Mike Krzyzew-ski was asked about Argentina. His response was predictable.
“Ask me Wednesday night,” he said. “We don’t play them until Thursday. Our focus is on Mexico.”
That means Krzyzewski gets to renew acquaintances with an old friend, Nolan Richardson. The former Arkansas coach, who beat Krzyzewski and Duke in 1994 for the national championship, is coaching Mexico, and he is trying to get that country into the Olympics for the first time since 1976.
This is the second meeting between the USA and Mexico in FIBA Americas competition. In 2003, the Americans defeated Mexico 96-69 in Puerto Rico.
“He’s done a tremendous job,” Krzyzewski said of Richardson. “They put a lot of pressure on you. We’ll have to be prepared for a different style.”
The Americans also will prepare to shut down Romel Beck, the former UNLV guard who has enjoyed a tremendous tournament to date. Beck leads Mexico in scoring, averaging 22.8 points per game in the preliminary round.