BEIJING (Olympics) - The United States overpowered Mali 97-41 in a third successive win at the Olympics to end the third day’s play in the women’s basketball tournament.

Veteran center Lisa Leslie had 16 points and 11 of Team USA’s 12 players scored in the rout that has left Anne Donovan’s team top of Group B ahead of Spain and China.

The 56-point thrashing was the biggest margin of victory for the United States at the Beijing Games so far, surpassing a 45-point win over China and a 40-point romp over the Czech Republic.

Mali captain Hamchetou Maiga missed the game with an ankle injury that she picked up in Monday’s defeat to the Czech Republic.

Aminata Sininta had 13 points for the FIBA Africa champions, who have lost all three of their games in Group B in their first Olympic experience.

The USA scored the first seven points of the contest before Mali hit back with an unexpected 8-0 run to take the lead and earn the applause of the Wukesong Arena crowd.

But the three-time defending Olympic champions United States, who are on a mission to re-establish themselves as the undisputed number one team in international basketball following a semi-final setback to Russia at the FIBA World Championship two years ago, quickly regained control and led 24-12 by the end of the first quarter.

At half-time, Donovan’s team had a firm grip on proceedings with a 51-28 advantage and it coasted home over the final two quarters.

The United States forced Mali into 29 turnovers and held them to 20% (eight of 41) shooting inside the arc and 40% (six of 15) beyond it.

Next up for the United States is a clash on Friday with Spain, the silver medal winners at last year’s EuroBasket.

Mali will return to the court to face hosts China.

FIBA