U.S. routs Japan to continue 51-game winning streak in Olympic women's basketball

A'ja Wilson scored 20 points and Breanna Stewart added 15 to help the U.S. beat Japan 86-69 on Friday in the women's basketball tournament.

The U.S. has now won 51 consecutive games dating back to the bronze medal game in the 1992 Olympics, although the team has looked far from sharp in its first two games at the Saitama Super Arena.

It was a matchup of contrasting styles. The U.S. had its dominant group of bigs led by the 6-foot-9 Brittney Griner. Japan's tallest player is only 6-foot-1. The host nation, which is the only team in the field to have beaten the U.S. in an Olympic contest back in 1976, played a more free-flowing style with all five players capable of shooting 3-pointers.

Despite the size disadvantage, Japan was able to consistently beat the Americans off the dribble, get to the basket and score early on. When the Japanese team wasn't getting by the U.S., it was connecting on 3s. The team hit six in the opening period and led 30-28 after one quarter.

The U.S. (2-0) then clamped down defensively over the next 10 minutes. With the game tied at 36, the Americans scored scored seven straight to start a 13-4 run to close the half. Griner had six points during the spurt and Stewart had a massive block after a U.S. turnover.

The Americans led 49-40 at the break.

Japan cut the deficit to five in the third quarter but couldn't get any closer as Wilson, Stewart and Griner dominated inside.

Maki Takada scored 15 to lead Japan (1-1).

Belgium defeats Puerto Rico

Emma Meesseman had 26 points and 15 rebounds to help Belgium rout Puerto Rico 87-52 on Friday in a matchup of Olympic newcomers.

Belgium (2-0) has made the most of its first Olympic appearance so far winning both of its games by double digits.

The team led 12-10 in the opening quarter before going on a 20-8 run spanning the first two periods to take command of the game. The Belgian Cats led 43-24 at the half as Hanne Mestdagh made four of her six 3-pointers in the opening 20 minutes. She finished with 18 points.

Belgium captain Ann Wauters saw her first Olympic action and scored a basket. The 40-year-old has been the face of the sport in the country for many years. She was the first player from Belgium to get drafted to the WNBA, going first overall in 2000 to the Cleveland Rockers.

Jazmon Gwathmey scored 20 points to lead Puerto Rico (0-2).

Belgium finishes their group play against China on Monday while Puerto Rico faces Australia.