Team USA Men's Basketball defeated Australia, 119-86, in the quarterfinals of the 2012 London Olympics on Wednesday.
The U.S. was led by Deron Williams' 13 points in the first half. Both teams were whistled for fouls often in the half but the U.S. converted more of their free throws in addition to hitting more of their shots from the field. The U.S. led 56-42 at the half but got all they wanted from Australia early in the third quarter.
The Australians cut the lead to three points with 8:32 remaining in the third quarter before Kobe Bryant and LeBron James put on a show. Bryant scored all 20 of his points in the second half to lead the U.S. in scoring. James had a triple-double with 11 points, 11 assists and 14 rebounds. The U.S. closed the game on a 63-33 run and moved to 14-0 against Australia all-time in FIBA tournament play.
After 13 first-half points, Williams finished with 18 points. Carmelo Anthony chipped in 17 points for the U.S. Australia was led by Patrick Mills' 26 points and Joe Ingles' 19 points.
The U.S. will have a Group A rematch with Argentina in the semifinals on Aug. 10. The U.S. won the group stage meeting, 126-97, on Aug. 6.
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