Team USA Basketball defeated Nigeria, 156-73, in Group A play on Thursday at the 2012 London Olympics.
The U.S. began the contest on a 13-0 run and it was never close. Nigeria scored more points than previous U.S. opponents in these Olympics, but nothing was slowing down the USA scoring buzzsaw. The U.S. scored 49 points in the first quarter and 41 in the third in a win which broke numerous records. The 156 points was an Olympic record. With 37 points, Carmelo Anthony broke the U.S. scoring record of 31 points by Stephon Marbury. The U.S. hit a record 29 three-pointers on 46 attempts. The 83-point margin of victory was also a record.
Anthony did his damage from beyond the arc with 10 made threes on 12 attempts. Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant did their scoring in the first half with 16 and 14 points, respectively. Deron Williams had a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists off the bench. Russell Westbrook chipped in 21 points and Kevin Love also reached double figures with 15 points. Ike Diogu had an impressive 27 point, 7 rebound night to lead the Nigerian team. Diogu was 11-of-17 from the floor.
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