Team USA entered Tuesday afternoon’s matchup against African champion Tunisia as 54-point favorites in their second game at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, but early on, they did not look to deserve that level of respect. Lethargic play from the team’s five starters forced coach Mike Krzyzewski to make wholesale substitutions midway through the first quarter, and Team USA’s lead is just six, 21-15, after one quarter.
Team USA Vs. Tunisia Score Update: Americans Struggling Early, Up 21-15 After First Quarter
Tunisia got off to a hot start, taking an early lead thanks to opportunistic fast breaks and hot perimeter shooting. Team USA’s starters were all content to take long perimeter jumpers instead of attacking the basket, which allowed Tunisia to take a three-point lead with 2:39 remaining in the quarter.
But then Kryzewski removed all five of his starters, bringing in reserves Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook, Andre Iguodala, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love. That triggered a 9-0 run to end the quarter, a stretch that included some tenacious defense.
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