MANILA, Philippines — Everything had looked so easy for the U.S. at the Basketball World Cup. Points were coming in bunches, final scores were blowouts and stress wasn't a problem.
Until Friday.
If the Americans were waiting a serious test at the World Cup, they can wait no more. Facing a 26.5-point underdog in Montenegro in a second-round opener for both teams, they trailed by a point at the half, didn't take the lead for good until midway through the third quarter and still had a contest on their hands until the final minutes.
They found a way in the end, winning 85-73 to remain unbeaten and move to the brink of the quarterfinals.