US easily wins first meeting with Iran, 88-51, clinches No. 1 in world championship group

US wins first meeting with Iran, stays unbeaten

ISTANBUL — The United States eased its way to a top seed in the knockout round of the world championship, beating Iran 88-51 Wednesday in the first meeting between the countries with often contentious relations.

The U.S. team, which downplayed the political aspect of the matchup, methodically pulled away in the first half, wearing down the Asian champions with its depth and athleticism.

Kevin Love scored 13 points and Kevin Durant 12 for the Americans (4-0), who will meet the fourth-place team from Group A in the round of 16.

After playing his starters for most of the second half of a 70-68 victory over Brazil on Monday, U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski went to the bench early in this one, with the Americans shooting 58 percent and scoring 23 points off turnovers in the easy victory.