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ISTANBUL: The USA cruised into the second round of the world basketball championships unbeaten after a big second-half effort saw them pull away 92-57 from Tunisia.
Knowing that this was the last time they would take the court in Turkey, Tunisia came out playing like a team with nothing to lose and proved game opponents to the Americans early on.
Amine Rzig's seven points kept the north Africans in touch with the USA throughout the opening quarter, which went 19-13 to the Americans.
Tunisia's determined display continued in the second quarter, a fine shooting display from Marouan Kechrid pegging the score to 39-33.
However, in the second half the scoreline began to resemble something closer to what most had expected with Tunisia's spirit wilting as the Americans began to run away with it, leading 63-46 with a quarter left to play.
The scoreline continued to increase in the final quarter with Eric Gordon (21 points) leading USA to another easy victory 92-57.
Kevin Durant finished with 14 points, while Stephen Curry and Russel Westbrook were able to produce big second halves to finish with 13 and 14 points respectively.
Kechrid finished as the best of the Tunisians with 15 points.
World basketball championship results on Thursday:
Group A
Angola 55 Australia 76
Argentina 82 Serbia 84
Germany 91 Jordan 73
Group B
USA 92 Tunisia 57
Slovenia 65 Iran 60
Brazil 92 Croatia 74
Group C
Ivory Coast 88 Puerto Rico 79
Russia 73 Greece 69
Turkey 87 China 40
Group D
Spain 89 Canada 67
New Zealand 82 France 70
Lithuania 84 Lebanon 66
- AFP/de
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