JOIN USThe US team, led by coach Mike Krzyzewski, jumped for joy to celebrate their 70-68 win after the Brazilians, who led 46-43 at halftime, missed two opportunities in the dying seconds to send the game into overtime.
Argentina also notched up their third successive win with a 91-70 rout of Angola, while Slovenia beat Balkan neighbours Croatia 91-84 in a rollercoaster derby in which each team sank 11 three-pointers.
Serbia drubbed Jordan 112-69 on the back of 21 points each from forwards Marko Keselj and Dusan Savanovic, Australia thrashed Germany 78-43 and Iran enjoyed their first world championship win with a 71-58 defeat of Tunisia.
Croatia led 44-39 at the interval but roared on by their 4,000 supporters in the Abdi Ikpeci Arena, the Slovenians turned the match on its head with a barrage of three-pointers.
Jaka Lakovic and Uros Slokar scored 15 points each for Slovenia and Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic added 14 as the trio outweighed an excellent individual performance by Croatia's Roko-Leni Ukic, who finished with 20 points.
Hamed Haddadi led Iran to victory over the Tunisians with 23 points and 13 rebounds.