Brazil wins, showdown with US next
August 29, 2010
ISTANBUL (AP)—Leandro Barbosa(notes) scored 21 points and Brazil beat Tunisia80-65 on Sunday to set up a matchup of unbeatens with the United States at theworld basketball championship.
The Brazilians and Americans will bring 2-0 records into their game Mondaynight, with the winner having the inside track as the top seed from Group B.
Brazil (2-0) may have been looking ahead to that game, because it keptletting winless Tunisia back in this one after building a 16-point lead in thefirst half.
Barbosa scored 16 points in the first quarter—as many as Tunisia’s team—after the Toronto guard got a flurry of fast-break baskets late in the period.But it was a single-digit game in the final minute of the third period beforeBrazil pulled away again.
Forward Anderson Varejao(notes) of the Cleveland Cavaliers rested his sprainedright ankle again but is expected to play against the Americans. Varejao, whowas hurt during a recent exhibition game in Spain, was in uniform and lightlyshot around during pregame before taking his seat on the bench.
The Brazilians haven’t needed him, opening the tournament against Iran andTunisia, Group B’s two winless teams.
Tiago Splitter(notes), Brazil’s other top big man, added 16 points and MarceloMachado scored 13.
Marouan Kechrid had 15 points for Tunisia (0-2) and Radhouane Slimane added14 on 3-of-12 shooting.
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