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10/3 Weekly Review

United States vs. France
After a huge upset win, the US took on France. France, playing with their backs against the wall at 1-3, fell by two points 73-71 (16648) after Mike Merrilll (16433183) smartly took the one foul to give as time expired to hold off France's comeback. For the second straight game, USA overcame injuries to a starter, this time SF Jarvis Carlson (16443435) to defeat a tough European team. Pascal Brevet (16669269) did his best to keep France in the game, scoring 21 points to lead all scorers. Meanwhile, Wilson Battle (16439603) did his best to get out of the coach's doghouse putting up 7 points, 5 boards, 1 assist and 2 steals while filling in for the injured Carlson.

The game ball, however, goes to Center Terrance Hammond (16442250) for putting up a double double with 20 points and 12 boards while battling French stand-out Arnaud Monté (16667839) down low. Hammond also put in the game winning basket with 2 seconds left off a nice pass from Mike Merrill.

Up next the USA takes on a familiar competitor in Brasil while France gets Israel.

Brasil vs. Hong Kong
Hong Kong rolled over Brasil, coming away with a 25 point win 121-96 (16647) but at the expense of more effort. The win keeps Hong Kong alive for the semifinals but likely eliminates the Brazilians. Both teams went outside, an oddity for this tournament. Hong Kong was able to control the boards while shooting and impressive 46% from 3.

Brasil takes on the United States next in what is likely a meaningless game while Hong Kong looks to stay alive against the #1 ranked Italians.

Italy vs. Poland
Upset alert! The Italians came away with a decisive win over an undefeated Polish team, winning 94-80 (16649). Italy utilized a successful outside attack led by the baby faced Matteo Infantino (16638745). Infantino put in 26 points of 10-16 shooting including 5-8 from 3. Infantino abused Poland's 3 center inside attack which left Poland exposed from downtown.

Poland looks to rebound from their first loss with a game against the German blitzkrieg attack. Italy, meanwhile, will look to continue to climb the standings against a desperate Hong Kong team.

Germany vs. Israel
In what appears to be yet another upset, Germany drops its second game in a row, this time to Israel 98-92 (16650). The Germans have to be wondering what is going on after entering the second round with a perfect carryover record. Israel, utilizing a Poland-esque 3 center attack, dominated the boards to help come away with the win 54-35. Israel was led by Uri David (16743626) who put up 21 points and 13 rebounds, including 6 offensive rebounds, as well as 3 assists.

Israel will face off against France next while Germany takes on the aforementioned Poland.

Standings
Interestingly enough, the games had almost no effect on the standings with only France and Hong Kong swapping spots. Poland remains in the lead at 4-1 but there is now a 4 way tie for 2nd place with Germany, United States, Italy and Israel respectively (in order). Meanwhile, Hong Kong sits in 6th place at 2-3 but with a very impressive positive point differential. One win for them would vault them towards the top of the list. France and Brasil round out the group at 1-3 each.
(http://www.buzzerbeater.com/world/standings.aspx?teamid=1...)