The U.S. beat Australia by a score of 116-85. The Aussies played a near perfect first quarter. They only turned the ball over once. They were able to force the U.S. to settle for contested threes. Even their free throw defense was effective throughout the opening half.
The U.S. was able to force more turnovers in the second quarter, which gradually stretched the lead. With time running out in the half, Deron Williams hit a buzzer-beating three to expand the margin up to 12. To begin the third quarter, the U.S. went bonkers, nailing three after three and putting the game out of reach. Just about everyone played well, especially Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Dwight Howard kept up his strong play down low early. Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh provided their usual spark off the bench.
Australia was able to get the ball to the paint often, but missed most of their lay ups while searching for shot blockers. As with most teams this Olympics, they hung in with the U.S. until midway through the second quarter. Their third quarter collapse was sudden and left them reeling. The U.S. faces the winner of the Greece/Argentina contest. Argentina is a talented unknown, while the U.S. is familiar with this version of the Greek squad, destroying them in pool play. Whoever is the opponent, you have the sense that America will be ready. And this Olympics, the U.S. even has the crowd behind them.
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