U.S. Olympic basketball team got an 80-77 victory over Germany on Wednesday. (Photo: Xinhua/AFP)

    BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Allen Iverson hit a game winning three-pointer at the buzzer to earn the U.S. men's basketball team a narrow 80-77 exhibition win over Germany on Wednesday, averting another humiliating pre-Olympic defeat.

    Drubbed 95-78 by Italy a day earlier, the U.S. put in an improved effort but still struggled against an energized German team that did not even qualify for Athens. CRIENGLISH.com reported Thursday.

    The U.S. were unable to stop Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki, who led all scorers with 32 points, and could never stamp their authority on the contest.

    Nowitzki looked like sending the contest into overtime when he connected on a spectacular three-point shot over two defenders to even the score at 77-77 with four seconds left in regulation time.

    But Philadelphia 76ers Iverson hit a last gasp shot from just inside midcourt at the buzzer to clinch the win.

    Even though it was only a tune up match, the Americans celebrated as if they had won the gold medal, mobbing Iverson after his winning shot rattled through the basket.

    (CRIENGLISH.com)