The United States squandered a 15-point first quarter lead but much improved in the second half to beat Spain 93-55 for their fourth streak win in the Beijing Olympic women's basketball tournament on Friday.

The Americans also secured their top position in Group B after the victory and will meet New Zealand (1-3) in their final preliminary round game on Sunday.

The defending champions took control early with a 19-4 lead but were closed to 34-37 before a 39-34 halftime advantage.

With defense being much tightened, the white, red and blue team regained control on a 23-10 third quarter spurt and finished with a 28 points margin.

"The coach told us to calm down and that it was a team effort and that's how we played in the second half," Sylvia Fowles said.

"That is the beauty of the 12 players we have. We are on a mission."

The United States outshot the Spanish 57 percent to 33 percent, outrebounded 42-26 and forced Spain to 13 of 22 tournovers in the second half.

Tina Thompson led five Americans to score double figures with 17 points, Lisa Leslie hit 14 and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Amaya Valdemoro scored 17 points, Nuria Martinez and Anna Montanana added 10 apiece for the Spanish, who registered 2-2 with last group game to meet winless Mali on Sunday.

(Xinhua News Agency August 15, 2008)