U.S. Overwhelms Australia 119-86 in Basketball Quarterfinal

Team USA is hoping for a gold but isn't taking its dominance for granted

Kobe Bryant scored 20 points, LeBron James recorded a triple-double and the U.S. men's team stomped into the semifinals of the Olympic men's basketball tournament with a 119-86 win Wednesday night over Australia.

Seeking a gold medal to match the one they nabbed in China four years ago, the Americans will meet Argentina in the semis. The U.S. beat Argentina in Beijing, avenging a loss to the South Americans four years earlier at the Athens Games.

The U.S. clobbered Argentina by 29 earlier in this tournament.

Down by 14 at halftime, Australia opened the third quarter with an 11-0 run that put a shiver in the U.S. squad. But Bryant made consecutive 3-pointers — he finished with 6 3s — and Kevin Durant drove hard to the basket for a vicious dunk to help the Americans regain control.

James finished with 11 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists.

Patty Mills had 26 for the Australians.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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