Brazil beats Australia 75-71 in men's basketball

Brazil beats Australia 75-71 in men's basketball

Credit: Getty Images

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Australia's Matt Nielsen (14) drives to the basket against Brazil during their men's Group B basketball match at the Basketball Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games on July 29, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Sergio Perez - IOPP Pool /Getty Images)

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Associated Press

Posted on July 29, 2012 at 9:01 AM

Updated Sunday, Jul 29 at 10:31 AM

LONDON (AP) — Leandro Barbosa scored 16 points and Brazil held on to beat Australia 75-71 Sunday in the Olympic men's basketball opener for both teams.

Brazil had a one-point lead at halftime, but opened the third quarter with a 10-2 run and extend its lead to 11.

Then David Andersen got on a roll and helped Australia get back in the game.

The former NBA forward scored all of his 14 points in the second half and Australia battled back to within two — 73-71 — on Joe Ingles' basket with 29 seconds left.

Brazil let the clock wind down and Australia was called for kick ball — which reset the shot clock. The Australians were then forced to foul Brazil captain Marcelinho Huertas, who hit two free throws to seal the victory with five seconds left.

Patty Mills, re-signed by the San Antonio Spurs earlier this month, finished with a game-high 20 points for Australia.

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