Team USA Holds Off Pesky Brazil

Filed under: FIBA, USA Basketball, FIBA World ChampionshipISTANBUL -- As Brazil's Leandro Barbosa walked by after Monday's game, Team USA's Chauncey Billups patted him on the back and said, "See you next week.''

After getting a scare in their first test in the World Championship, the Americans wouldn't be surprised if they run into Brazil in the medal round.

"I think so. I really do,'' Billups said of anticipating Brazil will get another crack at Team USA, which escaped with a narrow 70-68 victory at Abdi Ipekci Arena.

The Brazilians certainly hope that will be the case. And they feel confident they can beat the Americans after nearly doing so without Cleveland Cavaliers big man Anderson Varejao, who sat out Monday with a sprained left ankle.

Even Kevin Durant's 27 points and 10 rebounds weren't enough to keep the Americans from heavily perspiring down the stretch. With 3.5 seconds left and Team USA up, 70-68, Durant fouled Marcelo Huertas, who stepped to the free-throw line with a chance to force overtime.
More: 2010 FIBA World Championship Schedule | Team USA Photo Gallery
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