The US women's basketball team beat the Czech Republic 80-61 to avoid following the losing example of the American men. Big favourites to win a third-straight Olympic gold, the USA fell behind 20-18 to a Czech side that came second in the 2003 European championship.
But Swin Cash sparked a comeback and the Americans pulled away with a 14-0 run in the second quarter.
"We started off a little slow, and the Czech team were really strong offensively," said Tina Thompson.
"Our inside game has been very strong," she added.
In other preliminary-round action, New Zealand beat South Korea 81-73 and Japan came through in the final five minutes to beat Nigeria 79-73.
Brazil, meanwhile, crushed hosts Greece 87-75, while Australia and Spain also picked up victories.
MMIX
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