SAPPORO -- Sometimes the first win can be tough to get, even for Carmelo Anthony and the United States basketball team.
Team USA overcame a slow first quarter and went on to defeat Puerto Rico 111-100 in the FIBA World Championship opener for both Group D teams Saturday at Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center.
Anthony led the U.S. team with 21 points, and LeBron James and Kirk Hinrich followed him with 15 points each.