The United States continued undefeated but came across a tough Brazilian squad in their third game, squeaking by Brazil 70-68 on Monday.

(Discuss Team USA’s close win over Brazil in our forum)

The Brazilians came up short when Leandro Barbosa’s shot was out at the buzzer.

Kevin Durant led the United States with 27 points (and 10 rebounds), Chauncey Billups put up 15, and Derrick Rose 11 points for the Americans.

After the Americans trailed most of the first 2 1/2 quarters, Lamar Odom’s(notes) dunk with 7:14 left put them ahead 64-62. But they couldn’t build on the lead during a tense final few minutes, and Brazil had two chances to send the game to overtime.

Other than late in the game and in a small spurt during the third quarter, Brazil led the United States throughout the majority of the game.

And with 3.5 seconds remaining, Marcelo Huertas had a chance to tie the game after being fouled. Unfortunately for Brazil, the 6-3 guard missed the first free throw and with Brazil down two, was forced to intentionally miss the second. The miss set up Barbosa’s miss at the buzzer.

Without their big men Nene, Anderson Varejao, Brazil was led by Marcus Vinicius scored 16, Barbosa finished with 14 points and Tiago Splitter, who will join the San Antonio Spurs this season, added 13 points and 10 rebounds. Lamar Odom had 8 points and 8 rebounds.