USA avoided a shock upset at the hands of Group B rivals Brazil to come through 70-68 winners at the World Basketball Championships here last night.
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| Kevin Durant of USA is sandwiched between Brasil's Alex Garcia (left) and Marcelo Huertas (right) during their FIBA World Basketball Championship match at the Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul last night. USA won 70-68. pic/AFP |
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After cruising in their opening two games, USA were caught off guard by Brazil early with Tiago Splitter (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Marcus Viera (16 points) rattling the American defence for a 46-43 half-time lead.
USA were able to regain the lead in the third quarter, going into the final quarter just 2 points in arrears.
The drama prevailed, with Kevin Durant (27 points, 10 rebounds) fouling Marcelo Huertas trying to tie the game up at 70-70.
Missing his first from the foul line, Huertas then missed his second on purpose, rebounding his own shot before off loading to team-mate Leandro Barbosa under the hoop. Barbosa could not make the shot allowing the USA to hold on.
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