U.S. survives scare in Olympic basketball

LONDON, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- LeBron James scored nine points during a game-closing 17-10 run Saturday that allowed the United States to escape with a 99-94 Olympic victory over Lithuania.

Trailing by two midway through the final quarter, the Americans turned to James in hopes of fighting off the upset.

After crushing Nigeria by 83 points in its previous group game, the United States shot only 44 percent from the field to 63 percent for Lithuania, which had won just once in its first three games of the Olympics.

The Americans, however, forced 23 turnovers to stay in the contest and won the offensive rebound battle 13-6.

"You need a little adversity to make it through the stretch," James said.

The United States is atop Group A with four victories in as many games. Its final round-robin contest will come Tuesday against Argentina.

Russia wrapped up Group B Saturday with a 77-74 victory over Spain in a meeting of unbeatens. Spain lost to the United States in the gold medal game four years ago.

Both James and Carmelo Anthony finished with 20 points Saturday and Kevin Durant had 16. James was 9-of-14 from the field during his largest offensive effort of the Olympics.

Prior to Saturday's game, James had been content with passing the ball to his teammates for open shots.

"I told him to start shooting," Anthony said.