A former world record holder as part of the U.S. 800-meter relay team that won gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Sandeno finished in a Games-record time of 2 minutes, 12.13 seconds.

Yana Klochkova of the Ukraine, a former world record holder in the 400 individual medley, was second in 2:13.15. Klochkova held the previous Games mark of 2:13.32 set in 2003.

"It was a little bit of a double whammy," Sandeno said of winning the race and improving on Klochkova's record. "I wanted to break 12 (seconds) but I'll take it."

It was her first international medal since the 2004 Olympics.

"I feel like I'm getting back into the swing of things," said Sandeno, who could swim in three more races here, including the 400 individual medley.

The United States also rebounded from a big loss against Lithuania to beat another men's basketball favorite Friday.

The Americans, represented by the University of Northern Iowa, defeated Angola 84-26 to even their record at 1-1 in preliminary play.

Jordan Egiseder led the Americans in the win with 16 points, while captain Jared Josten added 13.

The U.S. women, represented by the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, lost its first game after two straight wins.

The United States picked up its second swim gold of the day when the American men won the 400-meter freestyle relay in 3:16.06, more than 2½ seconds ahead of second-place Canada.

The Americans have three golds at the games, all in swimming. Russia leads with six golds.