Steadily, if not always impressively, the U.S. basketball teams plowed through their preliminary games in defense of the Olympic championships they won in 1984. The men were inconsistent, crushing Spain 97-53, Egypt 102-35 and China 108-57, but struggling to subdue Canada 76-70. Against Brazil, which upset the Americans in last year's Pan Am Games final, the U.S. trailed early. But a suffocating full-court defense led by Vernell ("Bimbo") Coles and muscular moves under the basket by J.R. Reid shook the Brazilians' rhythm. By half time the U.S. had moved ahead 63-55, and a 21-7 tear at the start of the second...
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