ESPN Men's Basketball

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- The United States struggled with its long-range shooting, managing just 40 percent from 3-point range, and lost to Canada 92-76 Friday in the World Championship qualifying tournament.

Lynn Greer led the Americans with 21 points, and Alex Scales added 11.

Denham Brown scored 28 points and Juan Mendez had 21 for Canada. Playing without star forward Anderson Varejao, who dislocated his shoulder Thursday, Brazil still managed to beat Panama 83-77 while the Dominican Republic etched out a 104-94 victory over Mexico. Center Peter John Ramos led Puerto Rico to a 95-80 win over Uruguay as he turned in a spectacular performance that included 12 points, eight blocked shots and 21 rebounds. Playing without star forward Anderson Varejao, who dislocated his shoulder Thursday, Brazil still managed to beat Panama 83-77 while the Dominican Republic etched out a 104-94 victory over Mexico. Center Peter John Ramos led Puerto Rico to a 95-80 win over Uruguay as he turned in a spectacular performance that included 12 points, eight blocked shots and 21 rebounds.

Down 70-48 after three quarters, the Americans tried to catch up with full-court presses and a barrage of 3-pointers. But Canada was never flustered by the increased defense, and the Americans shot just 40 percent from beyond the arc, compared to 52 percent on Thursday.

U.S. coach Mo McHone said his team came out flat, in part because of a big win over Brazil on Thursday.

"The way they came out is not surprising, but now we've got to get our focus back," said McHone.

Shooting 56 percent and dominating both the defensive and offensive boards, Canada bounced back from an uninspired performance in a loss against Venezuela on Thursday.

"Today this team showed what it's capable of," said Canada coach Leo Rautins. "We did a good job of taking good shots and not forcing anything."

Canada showed more hustle from the opening whistle, in a game that was never close and exposed a sluggish side to the Americans, who beat tournament favorite Brazil in the last seconds.

"We never matched their intensity," said U.S. forward Aaron McGhee. "We fell behind in the first half and never recovered."

The United States is 2-1 in tournament play while Canada is 1-1.

The top four teams in the 10-nation event qualify for the FIBA World Championships in Japan next year. Argentina is participating but automatically qualifies as the Olympic gold medal winner in Athens last year.

Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press