Team USA looks to end rebound woes in FIBA knockout round - ESPN

MANILA, Philippines — It was human nature to want to focus on a disappointing loss to Lithuania on Monday but Team USA had no time for it.

The FIBA World Cup has reached its final phase, the knockout round. Despite the stinging 110-104 defeat Sunday, the Americans made it there. The defending world champs, Spain, didn't. Olympic silver medalist France didn't. Olympic bronze medalist Australia didn't, either. Canada, the oddsmakers pick as the greatest challenge to the U.S. in the tournament, advanced only after a fourth-quarter comeback Sunday.

So struggles for top teams are normal and nothing yet is lost for Team USA, which was internally re-enforced as they prepared to face Italy in the quarterfinals Tuesday (ESPN2 8:40 am ET). One more loss, however, and it's over. The U.S. lost in the World Cup quarterfinals in 2019 and ended up seventh.

«Waking up today, knowing we have the same opportunity than if we'd have won that game, you just go capitalize on it,» said guard Austin Reaves, who had his worst game of the tournament Sunday as he fouled out with seven points in just 13 minutes.

«It makes it real. Obviously now it's lose or go home...that taste in your mouth don't feel good.»

The coaching staff put the team through a lengthy film session before practice Monday. Under review was some of the carnage from losing the rebounding battle, 43-27. Over the last two games, the Americans have been outrebounded by Lithuania and Montenegro by 34 total rebounds.

They have allowed a horrifying 41 offensive rebounds in the two games, the same amount of defensive rebounds they pulled down.

A big factor in that has been the struggles of starting center Jaren Jackson Jr., who has one rebound in the last two games total and has been