USA Quarterfinal.......

Tough Game? Not for Team USA

By: Alfons I. Prince

The Redeem Team heard the talk. They decided to respond on the court. And what a response it was.

It was given in the form of a 116-85 win over Australia Wednesday night. That message will certainly resonate as America moves on the semifinal round of the Olympics.

Kobe Bryant led a balanced USA attack with 23 points. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James added 15 and 16 points, respectively.

The game was close throughout the first half as America missed free throws (11-21). A quick 5-0 run as the half ended left USA ahead by 12, 55-43.

That run set the stage for America’s fast start out of halftime. They began the half on a 14-0 run to push the lead to 26. It ballooned up to 30 during the third quarter, as America silenced any talk of an Australian upset.

Most of that talk came from the Australian camp. "I don't think you need to take the scare factor too heavily," said Aussie guard Patrick Mills. "That's one thing Australians have, we're fearless and we don't take a step back from anyone. Just got to go out there, put our best foot forward and give it a good crack."

The Australians were fearless, and they did put their best foot forward. It was not enough as America continued to show their difference in talent, and depth.

That depth allows America to use pressure defense to disrupt the offensive flow of their opponents.

"The tournament is decided by easy baskets, and with America it's hard to get a shot off, and it's hard to get the ball past the half-court line, and they beat you down the floor and get layups," Australian coach Brian Goorjian said.

USA remains undefeated at these Olympics, running their record to 6-0. They will play their semifinal matchup Friday night ET. Win that game, and they’ll be one game closer to fulfilling their mission of bringing the gold medal back to America.