American women near Olympic berth

VALDIVIA, Chile, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Tina Thompson had 18 points Thursday to carry the U.S. women's team to a 115-47 crushing of Jamaica in the Olympic qualifying tournament at Valdivia, Chile.

The Americans won for the second time in as many outings in the preliminary phase of the tournament, which will determine two automatic bids to next summer's Olympics.

The victory over Jamaica came after the United States had battled to a six-point decision over Cuba in the tournament opener.

Simone Augustus added 15 Thursday, as the Americans scored the game's first nine points and raced to a 48-28 advantage at the break.

The United States will meet Canada Friday in the last of the Group B games.