July 21, 2012; Barcelona, SPAIN; USA forward Anthony Davis (14) reacts during practice in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games at Palau Sant Jordi. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

After slamming Tunisia in a 110-63 win, team USA faces a more challenging but still very beatable opponent in Nigeria. During pool play, Nigeria has defeated Tunisia and lost out to Lithuania. Remarkably, they were able to do something the US could not by never trailing in their game against Tunisia. While not a great shooting team, Nigeria is arguably stronger and longer than both France and Tunisia which could present some problems for the US.

Chris Collins, a U.S Workout coach and scout believes the US will have to be more aggressive rebounding as Nigeria “are one of the teams that just get it up on the boards and go get it.” With that in mind look to continue to see more of Anthony Davis. His 7’4 wingspan and shot blocking skills will be instrumental on the defensive end. If fans are lucky we will also get to see another dazzling display of alley oops for the Brow.

Another question coming into today will be if the starters will show more energy right away or if the second unit will once again be forced to play a more prominent role? Against Tunisia, the bench was required to reestablish defensive intensity and distribute the ball better. Look for the starters to try to set a standard during the first quarter- a feat they have yet to accomplish.

It is difficult to predict who will be the high scorer in today’s game. If we see another blowout, scoring may be more evenly distributed as seen against Tunisia. Coach K has said that he will “try to get minutes for everybody so we’re developing everybody as we go into the latter stages of pool play.”  Unfortunately, this may mean audiences will have to wait to see a one-man-show from Lebron James or Kevin Durant. However, look for Durant to try to be more assertive as he continues to be commanded to do so by coaches and teammates alike.

Expect more sensational play in what very well could turn out to be team USA’s biggest rout during the Olympics. The US will have to handle Al-Farouq Aminu and his brother Alade but otherwise should have any easy road to victory.

PREDICTIONS
Final Score: USA-102 Nigeria- 66
Line of the Night: Davis 19 PTS, 6 REB, 4 BLKS
Highlight of the Night Prediction: Westbrook Windmill Dunk

Into the second quarter shooting woes continued as the US connected on only 2-12 three point attempts. Romdhane remained strong even requiring double teams to slow him down.  The US second unit seemed to be the boost needed, going on an 11-0 run to conclude the quarter. Still, viewers were left wondering if the game would prove to be much closer than imagined.

Due to the starters lazy first half performance the bench continued to play come the start of the third quarter. Their defensive prowess proved to be the game changer as defensive rebounds produced easy transition baskets. The US became invincible on the open court and with it came one spectacular dunk after another. In the midst of all these breath taking plays, players and spectators were given another reason to become speechless. In an contested lay up attempt Kevin Love appeared to injure his knee and shortly after stumbled to the sideline. The US continued to widen its lead while cameras remained focused in on trainers rubbing Love’s knee. With every horrific scenario running through the minds of Wolves and basketball fans alike the US finished the quarter strong finishing 15 of 18 from the field.

Minutes into the fourth quarter, reports from Craig Sager and team trainers stated that Love was ‘fine’ and the injury was being treated with ice as a precautionary measure. It wasn’t long until Love returned to the game nailing several open three pointers and finishing the game as the team’s leading scorer. With 16 points, Love not only demonstrated his injury was minor but he was more ready than ever to seize an prominent role on this team.

Overall this game revealed nothing we didn’t know before. The US still crushed Tunisia but showed that reliance on 3 point shots may eventually hurt them against bigger teams like Spain or Argentina. However, as long as the US performs on the defensive end they should get easy transition buckets and allow themselves to defeat opponents convincingly.

Player of the Night: Anthony Davis 12 PTS, 3 REBS, 1 BLK
While Love ended the game as the team’s leading scorer, Davis gave audiences a peak into why he will be a force to be reckoned with come Fall. He left the crowd in awe with alley oops only a man of his wing span could finish. With as many minutes in this game as Chandler, Westbrook and Wiliams we may be in store for more of the Brow.