Watch CBS News

US Men's Basketball Team Beats Venezuela After Slow Start

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) -- The U.S. Olympic men's basketball team surged after a slow start, beating Venezuela 113-69 on Monday night as Carmelo Anthony passed Michael Jordan for third place on the Americans' career Olympic scoring list.

The game was tied at 18 after one quarter but the Americans soon took control and powered their way to a second straight win to start the tournament.

Paul George scored 20 points and Jimmy Butler had 17 for the Americans. Anthony finished with 14, passing Jordan's total of 256 points late in the first half. Anthony now has 262 points and the four-time Olympian trails only LeBron James (273) and David Robinson (270).

The Americans play again Wednesday against Australia, which also is 2-0.

(Copyright 2016 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.