USA's strength in depth too much for hosts Serbia

BELGRADE (Serbia) - USA rounded out the first day of the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in Belgrade, with a convincing 88-69 win in Group A.

The long reigning Olympic champions are already assured of their spot at Tokyo this summer and are laying down a marker for whoever follows them.

Serbia were spurred on by a passionate home crowd as they produced a late 12-0 rally, though they could only close within 13.

Turning Point: Serbia never led by more than 2 points in the contest, but would have felt in contention at the half-time break at 42-34. USA then turned up the heat in the third with a 28-13 period and all of a sudden, they were out of sight.

Game Hero: Skylar Diggins caught fire in the second quarter, scoring 11 points in a row for USA including three triples and would finish with 15 points, while A'ja Wilson top scored with 16 points from the bench.

Stats Don't Lie: Sharing is caring and USA's ball movement was supreme throughout as they finished with a collective 33 assists - 39-year-old Sue Bird leading the way with 8.

Bottom Line: USA proved they were not going to take any game lightly in an emphatic performance to spoil the hosts' party. Serbia cannot dwell on the result, though, and will need to come prepared for their next encounter with Nigeria as they now target a weekend double.

FIBA