AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Australia built on a strong start to beat New Zealand 75-60 on Thursday in the first match of a two-game men's basketball series in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics.

The Australians capitalized on New Zealand's turnovers and low shooting percentage to lead 26-9 after one quarter and maintained its advantage at all intervals. The second match will be played in Melbourne on Saturday.

New Zealand outscored Australia 17-12 in the second quarter to cut the Boomers' lead at halftime to 38-26 and closed to within seven points in the third period before the Australians pulled away.

American collegiate star Patrick Mills of California's St. Mary's College led Australia with 14 points while veteran center Chris Anstey added 13 points.

Lindsay Tait had 16 points for New Zealand.

Australia, playing without Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut, has already qualified for the Beijing Olympics. New Zealand will play in an Olympic qualifying tournament in Greece in July in a last attempt to go to China in August.