Melo's 31 Leads USA Past Australia

Carmelo Anthony scored a team-best 31 points, including nine 3-pointers, to lead Team USA past Australia, 98-88, at the Rio Olympics.

"We beat a heck-of-a team," said USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski. "Australia has probably played the best of anybody in the Olympics.

"I thought the defense we had the second half was so much better than the first half. And guys stepped up. Carmelo was magnificent. We earned the win, and we're going to have to earn our wins throughout. So, this was a really good night for us."

Anthony became the all-time leading scorer in U.S. Olympic history with the offensive explosion (293 points). He passed David Robinson (270 points) and LeBron James (273 points) to establish the new standard.

Anthony was 11-of-21 from the field, including 9-of-15 on 3-point attempts. He missed hisonly free-throw try and grabbed eight rebounds.

Australia led 54-47 at the intermission. The Americans rallied by outscoring Australia in the third quarter, 21-13, but Australia moved back in front in the fourth period, leading 72-70 with nine minutes remaining.. With the game on the line in fourth quarter, Anthony and Kyrie Irving scored all of Team USA's baskets to preserve the victory.

Irving had 19 points and Kevin Durant added 14 for Team USA. Australia was led by Patty Mills, who had 30.

Team USA improved to 3-0 with the win while Australia was knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten and stands at 2-1.

Next up for the Americans in preliminary-round play is Serbia in on August 12.

Syracuse University Athletics

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