INQUIRER Sports

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.