Team USA, Paolo Banchero Beat Luka Doncic-Less Slovenia in FIBA Exhibition
The U.S. men's national team is inching closer to the start of the FIBA World Cup after today's 92-62 win against Slovenia at Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena in Malaga, Spain.
Luka Doncic was expected to play for Slovenia, but he was held out with an injury that the team wants to have heal before the start of the tournament at the end of the month.
Without Doncic in the lineup, Slovenia was led by 14 points from Gregor Glas. The Slovenians, who did not qualify for the last World Cup in 2019, are situated in Group F in the World Cup's debut stage and will face Cape Verde, Georgia, and Venezuela in Okinawa.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero got in on the action, scoring eight points on 4 of 6 from the field. He also had two rebounds, a block and a steal in 11 minutes of action.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards led all American scorers with 15 points, while Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) and Austin Reaves (Los Angeles Lakers) each scored in double figures.
Team USA will immediately return to action on Sunday as the doubleheader in Malaga wraps up against the defending World Champions from Spain (3:30 p.m. ET, Fox).
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.
Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.
Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.
Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
