Japan fail to make history after loss to U.S.

The ambitious Japanese women's basketball team failed to make history at the Olympics as they lost 110-64 to the powerhouse United States in a quarter-final match here on Tuesday.

The Asian champions, aiming for a medal finishing at Rio, battled in every corner of the court in the first half before they stumbled in front of American bench.

Japan trailed only 30-23 in the first quarter and closed in by just two points in the second on 46-44 before the U.S. pulled away by 56-46 at the break.

The bench of the U.S. contributed 62 points, compared to 14 from the counterpart, when they extended the lead to over 40 points in the second half.

"Today they created lots of problems for us. They played really well. It's the hardest 40 points in the game we've ever won by. It was hard. It was really a hard game," U.S. guard Diana Taurasi said.

Mika Kurihara made four three-pointers in the first half to help Japan close by, but she didn't score in the second.

"We played our Japan's game in the first half. But in the second, they didn't give me chances. At that time we need someone to step up," Kurihara said.

Seven Americans scored in double digits as Maya Moore and Taurasi led the team with 19 points each. Ramu Tokashiki led Japan with 14 points. Endit