Team USA Edges Past Brazil

The players of Team USA came close to witnessing their first loss of the world basketball championship Monday, when Brazil gave them a run for their money.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:55 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Aug 30, 2010 6:0 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

ISTANBUL -- Team USA’s hopes of earning its third-straight win was in jeopardy Monday, when Team Brazil gave the Americans their toughest challenge of the tournament.

Brazil missed two clutch shots late in the fourth quarter, as USA earned the 70-68 victory. The first shot was taken by Marcelo Huertas with just 3.5 seconds left, with the second coming in the game’s final moments as Leandro Barbosa’s shot rattled out and USA moved ahead with a 3-0 record.

Kevin Durant finished the game with a team high of 27 points, while Chauncey Billups followed with 15 points. The game was the first challenge the Team USA has experienced in the world basketball championships, averaging 25 points against both Slovenia and Croatia in their first two games.

KD and his team found themselves behind 46-43 at halftime--a first for the Americans all tournament. They were able to gain a lead for the first time with just over seven minutes left on the clock, and hold off Team Brazil for the two-point win.

Team USA next faces Iran Wednesday at 11 a.m.