2014 FIBA World Cup schedule: United States faces struggling New Zealand

The Americans hope to show improvement against New Zealand after having trouble with Turkey, while a Group D matchup between Australia and Lithuania has potential to be entertaining.

by Kevin Zimmerman

Sep 2, 2014, 11:00 AM UTC

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Part Of

FIBA World Cup 2014: Team USA bounces back to rout New Zealand

see all updates

Through the FIBA World Cup’s first two days of competition, the United States was the only team in sole possession of its group’s top spot. On the flip side is New Zealand, also in Group C but with a 0-2 record through the first two games. They are the only team in sole possession of last place in their group through the first two days.

New Zealand, led by Thomas Abercrombie, squares off with the Americans on Tuesday desperately hoping to remain in contention. Meanwhile, coach Mike Krzyzewski’s team will be hoping to get off to a faster start following an underwhelming 98-77 win against Turkey two days prior.

Also in Group C play, Turkey will hope to take the positives -- clever defensive schemes and simple playmaking -- into a matchup against Ukraine, which has beaten the Dominican Republic but fell to Finland. Finland, following a win against Ukraine, will square off against the Dominicans in the late Group C game.

Groups A and B will have their day off on Tuesday, but Group D will feature a battle between favorite Lithuania and a competitive Australian squad. Lithuania's frontline, led by stretch forward Donatas Motiejunas and center Jonas Valanciunas, should get some resistance from an Australian group of Aron Baynes, Nathan Jawai, Cameron Bairstow and Brock Motum.

Gustavo Ayon and Mexico will aim to get into the win column after losing their first two games against the two best teams in Group D, Slovenia and Lithuania. Slovenia, led by the Dragic brothers, can remain perfect with a favorable matchup against Korea.

Here’s the full schedule. Games are available on WatchESPN.