Germany make U.S. work for victory

Paul Pierce scored 26 points to lead the United States to a 104-87 win over a stubborn Germany at the 2002 FIBA World Basketball Championships on Friday. The Germans made the title favourites work hard until the Americans finally pulled away late in the third quarter at the RCA Dome.

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Germany led twice in the third period, the last time 67-65 with 3:31 remaining. Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks had 34 points and 10 rebounds to lead all scorers as Germany outplayed the U.S. for long stretches.

Michael Finley had 21 points for the Americans, who now have a 55-0 record when using NBA players in international games. Baron Davis added 13 points and Jermaine O'Neal 11.

In other action on the second day of the championships, Spain stunned the team most consider the second best nation at the tournament, edging defending champions Yugoslavia 71-69. Pau Gasol, the NBA's Rookie of the Year with the Memphis Grizzlies last season, scored 25 points to lead Spain (2-0) to their narrow win over Yugoslavia (1-1).

The title holders trailed by 19 points in the first half but rallied to get within 71-69 with 45 seconds left in regulation time. Gasol missed two free throws in the last minute, giving Yugoslavia a chance to tie, but Dejan Bodiroga failed to connect with an easy 10-footer with 1.1 seconds left.

Marcelo Machado hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Brazil a dramatic 88-86 victory over Turkey.

Elias Ayuso set a team record with 37 points, 20 in the first quarter, as Puerto Rico (2-0) easily defeated Lebanon 99-77.

Miguel Lutonda scored 22 points to lead Angola (1-1) to an 84-74 win over struggling Canada.

Hugo Sconochini scored a game-high 26 points as Argentina improved to 2-0 with a convincing 100-81 victory over Russia.

New Zealand overcame a double-digit deficit for the second successive game to defeat Venezuela 98-85.

NBA number one draft pick Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets collected 38 points in China's 96-82 triumph over Algeria.