Hoops boss Popovich insists USA better for shock Australia loss

MELBOURNE: Veteran United States basketball coach Gregg Popovich insists his team are better for their shock loss to Australia, which has thrown the upcoming World Cup in China wide open.

The Boomers’ 98-94 upset in Melbourne on Saturday was their first ever victory against the USA and snapped a run of 78 consecutive American wins in major competitions and exhibition games.