U.S. trounces Australia, reaches quarterfinals

SAITAMA, Japan -- Andrew Bogut was no problem for the United States. Next up: Dirk Nowitzki.

Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points, and the Americans smothered Australia in the second quarter and ran away to a 113-73 victory Sunday in the second round of the world basketball championships.

Joe Johnson added 18 points, and Dwyane Wade had 15 for the Americans, who allowed only two baskets and six points in the second period en route to a 30-point halftime lead. The U.S. shot 54 percent from the field, including 14-of-27 from 3-point range, and led by as many as 42 points.

"That goes to show that when we really get focused in and play defense," Anthony said, "we can do some damage."

The U.S. (6-0) advanced to a quarterfinal matchup Wednesday night against Germany, which beat Nigeria 78-77 in the first game of the day behind 23 points from Nowitzki, the All-Star forward from the Dallas Mavericks.

"I think we're as ready as we're ever going to be right now," U.S. point guard Chris Paul said.

The Germans were the bronze medalists in the 2002 world championships.

The Americans were sixth that year, their worst performance ever in a major international tournament. But they continue to look like one of the favorites in Japan after surpassing the 100-point mark for the fifth time in six games.

"They're pretty good," Australia's Brad Newley said. "Oh, they're very good. They creamed us."

The U.S. is averaging 109.3 points in the tournament. All 12 players scored against Australia.

And this time, the defense was there, too. The Americans weren't always sharp on that end during pool play, when they allowed 85.6 points per game.

"Coach K made it a point to let us know how good our defense was," center Chris Bosh said. "We probably played our best defensive game, and I think that's going to catapult us into the rest of the games."

Bogut, the No. 1 pick in the 2005 NBA draft who just completed his rookie season with the Milwaukee Bucks, led Australia with 20 points. After a fast start, he was scoreless for a stretch when the Americans outscored the Australians 45-14.

"They are definitely the most talented team in the tournament," Bogut said. "For us, we have to build for the Beijing Olympics. Today was an indication we have a long way to go."