MANILA, Philippines -- If there can be such a thing an ideal loss, Team USA might have experienced it against Lithuania at the FIBA World Cup last Sunday.
It didn't cost the Americans any position in the tournament -- in fact, it probably improved their draw. But the loss to Lithuania also acted as a "free" focusing moment for a young team that had never experienced such adversity in major international games. Given a reprieve, Team USA came with more intent and force from the start in Tuesday's quarterfinal, bouncing back to oust Italy 100-63 from the medal round at Mall of Asia Arena.