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World University Games: Team USA improves to 3-0, Australia drops game to Canada

The United States men's basketball team improved to 3-0, but Australia fell to Canada and is now 2-1.

Paul Kane

The United States men's team improved to 3-0 at the World University Games as they dispatched of Sweden, 83-65. Despite Sweden being winless heading into that game Team USA struggled in the first before pulling away late in the second quarter to lead 37-27 at the half, and then gained a 20-point lead heading into the final frame.

While Team USA had every player see the court, all but two played at least 10 minutes and one of those was New Mexico's Alex Kirk. Kirk was played just four minutes, took no shots and had a single rebound. Seems that Kirk is not going to see much more than garbage time late in the games.

As for the other two Mountain West players who are on Team Australia -- Boise State guard Igor Hadziomerovic and New Mexico's Cameron Bairstow -- they fell victim to Team Canada, 92-83. The loss dropped Australia to 2-1 and Canada improves to 3-0. This loss could put Australia in danger of missing the medal rounds.

In that game Bairstow did all he could to help Australia get the win. He led all scorers with 19 points, pulled down six rebounds, four blocks and four assists. Hadziomerovic played a minor roll by scoring just three points, grabbing three rebounds and getting three assists.

Up next for both teams is facing each other and that game is currently underway on ESPN3, tip began at 12:30 p.m. ET. If Australia is to make it to the medal round they must beat Team USA.

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