Defense dictates U.S. victory

LAS VEGAS – The United States turned up the defense and turned away Canada.

The Americans held Canada to two field goals in a dominant second quarter, pulling away for a 113-63 victory Saturday to remain unbeaten in the FIBA Americas tournament.

Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points, equaling the second-best U.S. total in an Olympic qualifying game, and Michael Redd added 19, including five 3-pointers. But the United States couldn’t shake Canada until it tightened its defense after a competitive first quarter.

Kobe Bryant had 15 points, Amare Stoudemire 12 and LeBron James 10 points and eight rebounds for the Americans.