Basketball New Zealand

Tall Fern Angela Marino takes on US star Sue Bird (FIBA)

The United States put the finishing touches on their undefeated run in the preliminary round at the Beijing Olympics with a 96-60 win over New Zealand in Group B on Sunday night.

The three-time defending champions USA only led 23-18 at the end of the opening quarter, but then held the Tall Ferns to just six points over the next 10 minutes in building a 50-24 lead.

Anne Donovan’s team cruised the rest of the way.

While the Kiwis exited the competition with just one victory in five games, the Americans will take on Korea in the quarter-finals.

Tina Thompson poured in 15 points for the USA, with Katie Smith contributing 13, Seimone Augustus 12 and Tamika Catchings 11.

Young centre Sylvia Fowles also had a productive night with eight points and six boards.

The United States forced New Zealand into 21 turnovers.

Angela Marino, a member of the Tall Ferns side that reached the quarter-finals at the Athens Games four years ago, led the New Zealanders with 17 points.

Lisa Wallbutton weighed in with 14 points for the Kiwis.

Beijing Olympics

Sunday, August 17
Women
United States 96 (Tina Thompson 15, Katie Smith 13, Seimone Augustus 12, Tamika Catchings 11) New Zealand 60 (Angela Marino 17, Lisa Wallbutton 60)
1Q 23-18
HT 50-24 (27-6)
3Q 75-42 (25-18)
FT 90-60 (21-18)