Intro:

Team USA is expecting a tough encounter when they take on Slovenia in the FIBA Basketball World Cup quarter-finals.

Script:

Team USA will start as overwhelming favourites when they tip off against Slovenia in their World Cup quarter final in Barcelona.

A crushing 86-63 triumph over Mexico put Mike Krzyzewski's team in the last eight.

The defending champions have been largely untroubled so far in the competition, but coach Krzyzewski is warning of a tough encounter on Tuesday.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Mike Krzyzewski, coach of USA team

"We've prepared very hard for Slovenia. Their camaraderie is outstanding. They'll be a tough opponent for us tomorrow night."

The match up between the Americans and Slovenians is becoming a modern classic.

It's the third time the teams have met in as many World Cups.

SOUNDBITE: Anthony Davis, USA team centre

"We're taking one game at a time. We have Slovenia tomorrow. A great team. We are going to try to beat them first and we will worry about the rest later."

SOUNDBITE: Kenneth Faried, USA team power forward

"We just going to go out there and play every game like we have to in order to win. We're not worried about reaching the finals right now. We're worried about the game that is coming up tomorrow and that's Slovenia."

Slovenia is arguably Team USA's toughest opponent to date.

A loss will see them crash out of the competition altogether.