Russia crushed the Czech Republic 70-49 in Athens on August 25 to set up a semi-final clash with defending champion the United States in the women's basketball tournament of the Athens Olympic Games.

Iiona Korstin led Russia with 16 points and seven rebounds.

"It might have looked like an easy game from the outside, but it was everything but that," said Korstin. "We did not want to give the Czechs any hopes for the win."

Korstin felt confident before Friday's semi-final clash with the reigning Olympic and world champion, 102-72 winner over Greece in the quarter-finals.

"We can win this game. When we lost to the United States in the past, it was by a very small margin, mainly because we were a very young team then," Korstin said.

"We have matured, and by playing proper defense, I believe we can stand up against the big stars of the United States."

Elena Baranova came from the bench to add 15 points for Russia.

With Korstin and Natalia Vodopyanova dominating inside, Russia jumped to a 19-6 lead after the first quarter and improved to 37- 20 at the half time.

In the second half, Russia was never really challenged.

Czechs will play Greece in the 7th-8th decider.

Results of Athens Olympic basketball

Following are Wednesday's results of the Athens Olympic basketball tournament (half-time score in bracket):

Women's quarter-finals:

Russia beat Czech Republic 70-49 (37-20)

United States bt Greece 102-72 (55-34)

Brazil bt Spain 67-63 (34-34)

Australia bt New Zealand 94-55 (45-31)