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USA Basketball rallies to beat Montenegro 85-73 at the World Cup, reaches quarterfinals

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 for 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.