U.S. bounces back with Puerto Rico win

The United States managed to soothe its bruised basketball ego on Friday, downing Puerto Rico 84-74 in a classification game at the 2002 World Basketball Championships. Following losses to both Argentina and Yugoslavia the Americans into the classification pool for fifth to eighth spot in the final rankings.

The losses ended a streak of 58 consecutive victories for the U.S. when it has used NBA players in international competition, dating back to 1992. But the Americans ended their two-game losing streak with some conviction, taking a 50-36 half-time lead after trailing 25-19 after one quarter.

"It wasn't pretty, but after last night's game I didn't expect it to be pretty," U.S. coach George Karl said. "It was a win though. These guys are a lot stronger and tougher than you think they are."

The U.S. saw its lead cut to 10 points after three quarters, but the Americans had more than enough left to hold off the Puerto Ricans and were never really threatened in the game after the opening quarter. Even though the Americans trailed early, Antonio Davis felt the United States was mentally ready for the game, despite the tough circumstances.

"We played the right way tonight, we came out with the enthusiasm you need to win a basketball game," Davis said. "I feel good about what we did tonight. But there's still a cloud hanging over our heads of disappointment... I tip my hat to all the guys that played tonight, it wasn't easy to stay focused."

The U.S., overwhelming pre-tournament favourites to win the championship on its home court, plays for fifth place on Saturday against Spain while Puerto Rico will face Brazil for seventh place.

Spain put on an impressive offensive display to defeat Brazil 105-89, to set up the clash with the U.S. Juan Carlos Navarro had 22 points for Spain, while Pau Gasol added 21 to help Spain win its sixth game in eight at the tournament.

Brazil was without two of its top three scorers, Marcelo Machado and Vanderlei Mazzuchini, who both didn't play due to injury.

Turkey, making its first appearance at a world championships, downed China 94-86 and will play Russia for ninth place on Saturday. Mehmet Okur had 24 points and eight rebounds to lead Turkey, while Hedo Turkoglu added 21 points and nine assists.

Russia, trying to make up for a disappointing tournament, downed Angola 77-66 after out-rebounding the Africans 45-22 and out-scoring them 19-5 at the free-throw line. The failure to reach the top three breaks a sequence of 10 consecutive medal performances for Russia and the former Soviet Union at the world championships.

Nikita Morgunov and Vassili Karassev both had 12 points to lead the Russians, while Rouslan Avleev added 11.