Americans pull away to beat Puerto Rico

The Americans, trying to forget a disappointing sixth-place showing four years ago in Indianapolis, fell behind early, but methodically wore down Puerto Rico in the second half to improve to 8-1 all-time against their counterparts in World Championship play.

Kirk Hinrich and LeBron James each added 15 points, while Dwyane Wade scored 13 for the United States, which last won this event in 1994.

Chris Paul tallied 11 points and nine assists, while Dwight Howard scored 10 for Team USA, but the defense had lapses, which are sure to be addressed by head coach and Duke mentor Mike Krzyzewski.

Carlos Arroyo scored 23 points for Puerto Rico, while Elias Ayuso had 14 and Christian Dalmau 13.

The Americans are included in Group D with China, Italy, Puerto Rico, Senegal and Slovenia. The U.S. continues preliminary round play Sunday at 6:30 a.m. (et) versus China.

Anthony shot 8-of-11 from the field, part of a 67 percent effort on two-point shots for the U.S. The Americans went 9-of-27 from three-point range and came up with 14 steals.

The U.S. led by as many as 22 points, but it was tight early. The Americans were behind 24-23 after one quarter, but led 57-51 at the half.

The lead stood at 87-74 through three quarters and reached 20 points at 94-74 with 8 1/2 minutes remaining on Anthony’s basket.

Puerto Rico rallied to within 100-88, but Shane Battier came up with a block and Hinrich nailed a three with under four minutes left.

There are 24 squads in the tournament. The top four teams in each group qualify for the single-elimination second round. This event, started in 1950, is held every four years. Yugoslavia has won the last two gold medals.