Team USA Basketball Blows Out Australia Led by Kobe Bryant in Beijing 2008: The United States’ quest to regain the basketball Gold Medal got one step closer in the Men’s quarterfinals in the Beijing 2008 games. After a close first half, the USA Team came out in the 3rd quarter, determined to impose their will on the Aussies. The final score in this one was 116-85, as Team USA will play the winner of the semifinal game between Argentina vs. Greece.

Kobe Bryant led the way for Team USA with 25 points, shooting 10-16 (63%) from the field, including 4-7 from 3-point territory (57%). Team USA satisfied the initial point spread, as they were a -31 betting odds favorites against Australia (+31).

After a mediocre first half (to say the least), Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony opened the 3rd quarter by converting back-to-back 3’s to push the United States’ lead up to 18 points.

With a 14-0 run, the USA delivered the knock out punch on the Aussies, thus, pushing their lead up to 26 points. It was pretty much garbage time from there on out. Nevertheless, it took a complete team effort, as LeBron James pitched in with 16 points, Melo added 15, Deron Williams and Chris Bosch had 10 each, and Wade and Howard scored 8 apiece.

Except for the free-throw department, Team USA dominated Australia in every facet of the game, as the numbers reflect: 43-76 (57%) shooting, 12-29 (41%) from downtown, 57 rebounds (19 off, 38 def.), 16 assists, 10 steals, and 3 blocked shots.

Here is the final box score for the Aussies: 30-70 (43%), 10-27 (37%), 15-25 (60%) free throws, 28 boards (8 off, 20 def.), 11 assists, 6 steals, 1 blocked shot. Team USA vs. Australia also satisfied the OVER/UNDER, which had been set at a total of 179 points.

NBA Side note: The Milwaukee Bucks perhaps have some reason for concern, as C Andrew Bogut was sidelined early in the third, after twisting his ankle. Bogut did not come back, as his ankle was heavily tapped and iced on the Aussie’s bench.

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