Saturday, February 28, 2009

US on to semis, Aussies eliminated

US on to semis, Aussies eliminated
Dwyane Wade (L) of the United States drives to the basket (Photo credit: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)Photo Gallery%26gt;%26gt;

BEIJING, August 20) -- Team USA advanced to the semifinals of the Olympic Men's Basketball tournament after knocking out Australia 116-85 on Wednesday, August 20.

The US team pressed hard on both ends of the court, grabbing 19 offensive rebounds and 38 defensive rebounds en route to a massive 57 boards, more than double the 28 on the Australian side.

Kobe Bryant led the winning side with 25 points and five rebounds while Lebron James poured in%26nbsp;16 points and nine rebounds. Carmelo Anthony netted 15 points, and Deron Williams and Chris Bosh had 10 apiece.

"We set in a little bit more defensively. Once we made that adjustment, we played much better," said Bryant. "Our strength comes in waves in the second, third and fourth quarters."

The Oceania champion started fairly well, managing to deal with US full-court pressure in the first half and only trailing 25-24 after the first quarter. The teams went to the main break at 55-43 in the United States' favor.

The third quarter saw the margin further extended as Team USA came up with fantastic coordination to go on a 14-0 run shortly back from the half. Australia was unable to catch up with the US pace, conceding several turnovers which allowed their opponents to score more points on fast-break lay-ups. In the fourth period, a downtown three-pointer by Bryant made it 99-67 before James penetrated into the lane, draining a two-pointer and breaking 100 points.

"There was stage-fright there mate, definitely stage-fright there," Australian guard Patrick Mills acknowledged. "In the end, you just have to see them (the United States) as ordinary players. You try to come out and put your best foot forward and see what happens."

Mills was the biggest contributor for Australia, scoring 20 points. Glen Saville weighed in with 13 points and Joe Ingles buried all of his attempts on his way to 11 points in 10 minutes.

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