ISTANBUL (AP) - Jaka Lakovic scored 20 points, hitting consecutive 3-pointers to halt a furious Brazil comeback, and Slovenia blew nearly all of a 17-point lead before holding on for an 80-77 victory Wednesday.

Slovenia (3-1) took sole possession of second place in Group B, while Brazil (2-2) came up just short again after losing by two to the United States on Monday.

Brazil forward Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers played for the first time after missing the first three games of the world championship while recovering from a sprained ankle. He had four points and four rebounds in 23 minutes.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.