SAN JUAN, Aug 23: The United States survived a sloppy performance to post a 98-69 victory Friday over winless Venezuela in the FIBA Olympic basketball qualifying tournament of the Americas.

The United States side stocked by expensive National Basketball Association talent committed 23 turnovers, including eight by Allen Iverson, who looked nothing like the precise player he had been in the first two games.

Tracy McGrady led the US attack with 16 points. Iverson finished with 14 as the USA posted their third victory in three games.

In other games Friday, Argentina virtually assured themselves of a second-round berth with a 94-90 victory over Canada.

In the day’s other Group A game, Mexico beat Uruguay 80-68, while the Dominican Republic defeated the Virgin Islands 69-65 in Group B.—AFP