U.S. steams into basketball quarterfinals

LONDON, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- LeBron James scored the first seven points of a 42-point third period Monday that sent the United States to a 126-97 win over Argentina in the Olympics.

The Americans held only a one-point lead at halftime, but reached 100 points in the final seconds of the third period on a 3-point shot by Carmelo Anthony and rolled to a win in their last group game of the tournament.

Quarterfinal action will take place Wednesday with the United States scheduled to meet Australia.

Kevin Durant led the United States with 28 points and James added 18 while the Americans were reaching 100 points for the third time in five outings during the Olympic tourney.

In addition to the U.S.-Australia matchup, the quarterfinals will send Russia against Lithuania, Brazil against Argentina and Spain against France.

An American win in the quarterfinals would send them against the Brazil-Argentina survivor in the semis.

Earlier in the day, Australia got a boost heading into the quarterfinals by defeating Russia 82-80 on a last-second, 3-point shot by Patrick Mills.

It was the only loss by Russia in group play. Spain and Russia both finished with 4-1 records in Group B, but Russia won the group thanks to its 77-74 win over Spain Saturday.

Quarterfinals in the women's basketball tournament will be held Tuesday with the four-time defending Olympic champion Americans taking on Canada.