US beats Crotia in FIBA

USA cruised past Croatia 106-78 to open their world basketball championship campaign in impressive style on Saturday. Playing second up in pool B, the US had to battle hard in the opening quarter with a determined Croatia matching the Americans point for point, with the favourites holding only a slim two-point lead going into the second quarter at 22-10.
However, the Croatians' good work in the opening stanza was undone in the second as their shooting went cold. The story could not have been more different at the other end of the court with the Americans unable to do too much wrong offensively. By the time the half-time buzzer sounded, they were sitting comfortable with a 22-point advantage.
The Croats were once again able to find their range following the break but it meant little against an American side whose accuracy refused to falter as the lead continued to climb.
They all but sealed the lid on the game with a period to play leading 78-48.
With the game in the bag, USA began to throw the ball around in the final period with coach Mike Krzyzewski giving the entire bench court time.
Defensively, USA slackened in the final quarter as the Croatians tried to restore some respectability to the score, but their run came too late.
USA take to the court first on Sunday, taking on Slovenia who earlier Saturday defeated Tunisia 80-56. Croatia will be looking to bag their first win when they follow the Americans on court to take on Iran.