Carmelo Anthony of the U.S. reacts as his shorts falls down during the first-round win against Italy at the world basketball championships in Sapporo yesterday. - Reuters

SAPPORO, Japan (Reuters):

THE UNITED States (U.S.) survived their first real test at the world basketball championship with a 94-85 win over Italy yesterday.

Earlier, Olympic gold medallists Argentina crushed Nigeria and Spain beat African champions Angola as both teams joined the U.S. with a perfect 4-0 record.

The U.S. stormed back from a 45-36 half-time deficit, the odds-on tournament favourites outscoring Italy 35-19 in the third quarter to wrestle control of a physical Group D clash.

Carmelo Anthony exploded for 35 points and co-captain Dwyane Wade added 26 for the Americans, who are bidding to end a barren spell of six years without an Olympic or world title.

Toughest-minded players

"Italy were magnificent," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "They were the toughest-minded players we've seen internationally."

Chicago Bulls' Andres Nocioni poured in 23 points on nine of nine shooting in a 98-64 blowout of Nigeria (1-3) in Group A that locked up Argentina's place in the last 16.

San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili added 20 points for Argentina, who look the most likely challengers to hot-favourites U.S. for the gold medal.

"I don't think I've ever played a game where I didn't miss a shot - at least not for the national team," said Nocioni. "We're playing very well and have a lot of confidence in our shooting."

In Group B, Pau Gasol led Spain to a 93-83 victory over Angola, the Memphis Grizzlies forward scoring 28 points as the group leaders extended their win streak to 13 games.

China got their first win in four Group D games by beating win-less Senegal 100-83 in Sapporo, keeping their faint hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.

Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming again led the way for the Chinese as the tournament's top scorer dropped in 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds in another dominant display.