USA - National team to open Basketball International Challenge with a pair of games in Macao, China

COLORADO SPRINGS (Basketball International Challenge) - The USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team will open play in the USA Basketball International Challenge in Macao, China, with games against European powers Turkey and Lithuania, it was officially announced today by USA Basketball, the Macao Chinese Basketball Association and the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel at a press conference at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel in Macao, China. This will be the first visit to Macao by the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team.

The United States will face in the opening games of the Macao portion of the USA Basketball International Challenge Turkey on July 31 (8 p.m. Macao local time), and Lithuania on Aug. 1 (8 p.m. Macao local time). Additionally, Lithuania and Turkey will play a game on Aug. 2 (8 p.m. Macao local time). All three games will be held at the Cotai Strip Cotai Arena (11,572 capacity) at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel in Macau, China.

Tickets for the USA Basketball International Challenge in Macao go on sale June 4 and can be purchased by calling in China (852) 6333 6660 or (853) 2882 8818; or on line at www.venetianmacaotickets.com.mo; or at Cotai Strip Cotai Arena Box Office or the Sands Theater Box office.

"The USA Basketball International Challenge promises to be extremely competitive. The USA's games in Macao versus Lithuania and Turkey will certainly provide our team with excellent challenges. Both opponents are very respected and accomplished programs. The USA Basketball International Challenge offers basketball fans in and around Macao and Hong Kong a remarkable opportunity to see some of the world's best teams showcase their skills," said Jerry Colangelo, managing director of the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team program.

"Our games in the USA Basketball International Challenge are a critical part of our team's overall preparations. All of the teams involved are very competitive and respected international teams, so we know we will be challenged each time we take the court. Our early arrival in Macao will afford us the opportunity to adjust to the time change and help us focus on our final training period. Needless to say, this training and these games will be critical to our success," said USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski.

USA Basketball