FIBA World Cup: USA tops Ukraine, 95-71, goes 5-0 in Group C

After having started the FIBA World Cup in a dominant fashion, Team USA got off to a sloppy start against Ukraine, trailing Mike Fratello's team 19-14 after one quarter, having shot just 35 percent from the floor.

Sure, the game was meaningless in terms of advancement in the tournament, but naturally the competitive nature of Team USA had to kick in at some point. Late in the second quarter the USA finally took the lead, 30-27, and then went on a 14-5 run to take a 44-32 halftime lead. They never looked back, winning the game 95-71. They finished group play with a 5-0 record and a +166 point differential.

Team USA will play Mexico, with Jorge Gutierrez, on Saturday in Barcelona.

Mason Plumlee scored two points and pulled down two rebounds in just under four minutes. Afterwards, he spoke with Sekou Smith of NBA TV.

Mason Plumlee on Team USA Win Over Ukraine.

Kenneth Faried, who has been the best USA player thus far, finished with 10 points and 8 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving added 11 points and James Harden went for a game-high 17 points.

The defense was strong, once again, as USA forced 19 turnovers on 12 steals and allowed just eight assists.

• USA vs. Ukraine - Final Score - Box Score - FIBA.com