The score will reflect a United States victory over Argentina, a much-sought-after result for a team that was handed its first international loss in more than 10 years by the South American foe at last summer's World Basketball Championships.

However, the 94-86 outcome in the hotly contested second-round game at the Tournament of the Americas Olympic qualifier at Roberto Clemente Coliseum tonight was even closer than the winning margin. Team USA needed a stout defensive effort in the game's final minutes to hold off an opponent that, even in defeat, made everyone take notice.

"We were very fortunate," U.S. Coach Larry Brown said. "We've won every game easily and shot the ball great every game. This is by far our most difficult game."

Argentina's victory over the United States last summer, which snapped a 58-game winning streak in international play with United States' teams composed of NBA players, was supposed to be a fluke, a stroke of luck over a talent-depleted roster that lacked chemistry and preparation.

Tonight, a stacked U.S. team that targeted Argentina while rolling up 40-point margins of victory in the first round needed a breakaway dunk by Vince Carter to put the game out of reach in the final minutes. Carter's dunk left the United States up six with 1 minute 40 seconds remaining.