USA defeats China in basketball opener

BEIJING, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- LeBron James and Dwyane Wade got the United States' quest for an Olympic gold medal started Sunday by pacing their team to a 101-70 victory over China.

After losing three times during the 2004 Olympics and having to settle for the bronze, the American basketball team arrived in Beijing with revenge on its mind and came through with a solid opening performance.

Playing before an emotionally charged crowd that helped invigorate the Chinese early in the game, the United States' defense eventually took charge.

China battled the Americans to a tie midway through the second quarter before the United States went on a 20-8 run for a 47-39 halftime advantage.

President George W. Bush, making a tour of several Olympic venues, was in attendance. He left the game midway through the fourth quarter as the Americans' lead grew to 30 points. Wade finished with 19 points, James had 18 and eight U.S. players were credited with at least one steal. China's Yao Ming scored 13 points.

The Americans are competing in Group B during the preliminary round and elsewhere in that group Sunday Spain produced an 81-66 win over Greece and Germany coasted past Angola 95-66. Angola will be the Americans' next opponent Tuesday.

In Group A, defending champion Argentina was beaten by Lithuania 79-75, Croatia defeated Australia 97-82 and Russia won over Iran 71-49.