Brazil will stay within 15!!!
Dan Barto:
After squeaking by the Virgin Islands yesterday I look for Brazil to make a little run at Team USA and keep it close.
Here are the 10 reasons why.
1.) Brazil has a legitimate chance of contending for gold next summer. Verajao and Araujo give them a very physical and rested front line in 2008 and Splitter will be on the brink of stardom.
2.) They will look to make a statement today one way or another. Do not be suprized to see hard fouls and some extracurricular activity post-whistle.
3.) Team Brazil has NBA talent at 4 positions with Barbosa and Hilario as the core. Alex Garcia has done a stint with the Spurs/Hornets and Splitter, the sought after Euroleague star, drafted this past year by the Spurs.
4.) Brazil's inexperienced but fiesty front line should settle in for this once in a lifetime opportunity to shine. Players such as Batista, Da Rosa, and De Souza will give Splitter, Machado and Nene plenty of energy when they get in foul trouble. Melo, Bryant and James will need to earn every basket. Brazil will send 3 and 4 to the glass everytime and foul the US on quick transitions.
5.) Saturday night in Vegas after the matinee walk through against our northern neighbors has "let down" written all over it.
6.) The US shot 50% from the international three point line yesterday. Most of those coming during the second quarter flury. Brazil will zone but look for gimmick or immediate changes when Redd and Miller enter the game. Anything over 35% will surprise me.
7.) Barbosa will look to attack the paint recklessly and get to the foul line. His drives will open up kick opportunities and the US will give up 2nd chance points because of the slow rotations and premium rebounding position given up to the space eating Brazilian front line.
8.) Look also for the heavily Latin American crowd to turn on the US early if the game is close out of the gates. Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico are well represented and surround the 9PM showcase game.
9.) The US players will begin to look to entertain themselves on a more frequent basis. I expect lower percentage shots and more selfish decisions when the flesh starts hitting the floor
10.) Up until this point the US has not played against an international superstar. International guards have made it a habit of lighting up the US in the first half.
All this being said Team USA's transition offense and 2nd chance baskets will dominate the 2nd half allowing them to take advantage of the fact that Brazil is playing their third game in three days.
Final Prediction: USA 97-Brazil 83
