The Americans, who have won every Olympic gold medal since 1996 and the last three World Cups in a row, do not normally participate in the regional event.

They thrashed Paraguay 110-31 in their opening Group B clash and backed that up today at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan by easing past Colombia 88-46.

Triple Olympic gold medallist Sylvia Fowles led the way in the rout with 22 points as Colombia slipped to a second defeat from three.

"We got off to a slower start than we did in the first game," said US coach Dawn Staley.

"But as the game picked up, our defence really disrupted and bothered them. 

"If we could just eliminate that slow start, I think we'd be good. 

"Our offence was a little bit stagnant today.  

"That was probably because of what we were doing defensively. 

"We were [playing] a half-court defence. 

"The pace wasn't as quick as we wanted it. 

"But we got a win, and we got better on the defensive side so, small steps."

Argentina claimed their first victory of the tournament in the other Group A game, subjecting Paraguay to a third defeat with a 74-54 success.

In Group A, back-to-back defending champions Canada made it three wins from as many games by beating hosts Puerto Rico 78-50.

Jamie Scott's 20 points led the way for the Canadians, who will find defending their title tough due to the presence of the US.

Cuba edged Dominican Republic 65-62 to register a first win.

Both Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic had won their first matches before falling today.

Group play will continue tomorrow.

The top two sides in each group will reach the semi-finals.

In addition, the eight top teams from the tournament will advance to FIBA Americas Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournaments for Tokyo 2020.

The US have already booked their place in Japan, however, after winning last year's World Cup.