Americans rout Iran to remain unbeaten at Worlds

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09/01/2010 - Istanbul, Turkey (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Kevin Love scored 13 points and Kevin Durant added 12 to lead a balanced attack, as the United States remained unbeaten at the 2010 FIBA World Championship with an 88-51 rout of Iran.

Derrick Rose chipped in 11 points and Danny Granger netted 10 for the Americans, who bounced back from a narrow 70-68 victory over Brazil on Monday and improved to 4-0 to secure the top spot in Group B.

The U.S. will conclude preliminary round play on Thursday against winless Tunisia.

Hamed Haddadi of the Memphis Grizzlies led Iran with 19 points and Arsalan Kazemi of Rice University added 14.

Iran took a 5-3 lead early in the contest and was within 12-10 late in the first, but the Americans answered with seven straight points and took a 19-13 edge to the second period.

A three-pointer by Eric Gordon and a bucket by Russell Westbrook to open the second extended the U.S. lead to 11. The margin grew to 15 before the Americans settled for a 42-28 cushion at the break.

Rose scored four points in an 8-0 run to start the second half and the Iranians never threatened from there.

Canada, meanwhile, remained winless in four games after a 71-61 loss to New Zealand in Group D. Kirk Penney scored 18 points and Casey Frank added 14 for the Kiwis, who improved to 2-2 and will advance to the second round.

Jevohn Shepherd paced Canada with 15 points and Joel Anthony of the Miami Heat added 13 in defeat.

New Zealand built a 35-28 lead at halftime and opened a 13-point advantage in the third quarter before Canada trimmed the deficit to 47-41 heading to the fourth. The Canadians closed to within four early in the final period, but New Zealand slowly pulled away and led by as many as 11 in the final minute.

Canada will conclude preliminary round play on Thursday against Spain.

Also on Wednesday, Croatia pounded Tunisia, 84-64, in Group B and Spain mauled Lebanon, 91-57, behind 25 points from Marc Gasol, in Group D. In Group C, Russia topped China, 89-80, and Greece dismantled the Ivory Coast, 97-60. In Group A, Serbia thumped Australia, 94-79, behind 14 points and 10 rebounds from Nenad Krstic and Angola slipped by Germany, 92-88.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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