United States topple Puerto Rico 96-71 in Olympic tune-up
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-08-02 09:11

The U.S. basketball team brushed aside Puerto Rico 96-71 in an Olympic tune-up game Saturday in Jacksonville, Florida, despite missing Allen Iverson, LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire because of suspensions.

U.S. coach Larry Brown put Iverson and the other two on the bench after the trio missed a team meeting earlier in the day.

Carmelo Anthony and Carlos Boozer led the Americans with 16 points each. Dwyane Wade had eight assists and Tim Duncan finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

But after getting off to a quick start, the Americans went coldand got sloppy in the second quarter while Larry Ayuso hit five 3-pointers to keep Puerto Rico close, and when his backcourt mate, Carlos Arroyo made a steal and layup, Puerto Rico trailed by just five before halftime.

The Americans tore off 10 of the first 14 points in the third quarter to go ahead comfortably again before they held the lead towin.

The United States left Jacksonville later Saturday for Germany,where it will continue with workouts and exhibitions until the Olympics, where the Americans will open against Puerto Rico on Aug.15.