After dropping its Olympic opener, Team USA has rattled off three straight victories and can advance to the gold medal game with a win against Australia in the semifinals early Thursday morning. The winner will take on either France or Slovenia, which face off in the other semifinal matchup later Thursday morning (7 a.m. ET). History is on the United States’ side as it’s 8-0 all-time vs. Australia in the Olympics, and won each time by double digits. After one half of play, it is Australia that owns a slim lead.
Australia, ranked No. 3 in the world, has never won a medal in Olympic men’s basketball. It rosters several NBA players, including Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova, Dante Exum and Matisse Thybulle. While the Aussies never beat the Americans in Olympic play, they did prevail in an exhibition game in Las Vegas. They also beat the U.S. in a game played in Melbourne ahead of the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Gregg Popovich is 1-2 vs Australia as Team USA’s head coach — all exhibition games.
Follow below for all the real-time updates as top-ranked Team USA tries to oust Australia and earn a berth in the gold medal game.