BEIJING -- Natalie Williams scored 16 points and Tamika Catchings added 13 to lead the United States to an 80-39 victory over Taiwan at the Women's World Basketball Championship on Sunday.

The defending champions overcame a slow start before capitalizing on their height and strength advantage to beat the Taiwanese and improve to 2-0.

Sheryl Swoopes scored 12 points for the Americans, whose next opponent is Lithuania.

The Americans are aiming for their seventh gold medal since the championships began in 1953.

Taiwan lost its second straight game.

``We played better in defense than offense,'' said Cheng Hui-yun, who led Taiwan with 11 points. ``I'm very happy to hold their score'' to just 80 points.

In other games, China, led by Chen Nan's 19 points and 11 rebounds, held off a late charge and beat Yugoslavia 72-65. Gordana Bogojevic led Yugoslavia with 22 points.

Elena Baranova scored 26 points and Russia used a 26-8 run in the third quarter to beat Lithuania 97-61. Lina Brazeikyte scored 14 points for Lithuania.

Lauren Jackson, of the Seattle Storm, scored 25 points and Penny Taylor, of the Cleveland Rockers, added 12 points to lead Australia to an 85-53 win over Argentina.

Marina Ferragut scored 18 points in Spain's 100-63 win over Japan.

Helen Luz scored 17 points, leading Brazil to a 93-52 win over Senegall.

Also, South Korea beat Cuba 78-71, and France defeated Tunisia 131-35.