China makes it:Argentina goes down

IZMIR TURKEY-China scraped into the second round of the World Basketball Championship on Thursday while Australia also made sure of its last 16 spots

China slumped to a crushing 87-40 defeat to Turkey in their final group C game,but still reached the next stage thanks to Puerto Rico.

Going to final day of pool play,China Puerto Rico and Ivory cost were all figthing for the final qualifying spot

If the Ivory Cast were to take the final position if needed to beat Puerto Rico by 12 or more points.

Australia racked up a vital 76-55win over Angolain Group Aand will face Solvenia for quarterfinals spots.

Patrick Mills was was the best Australlians being the only players on his rosters to break into double figure,finishing with 11 points.Mathew Neilsen finished with 9points
6 assist and 7 rebounds

"Angola were very good at the start but we managed to take the control the game at the end of the second quarter when we cranked up our defense," said Australia coach Brett Brown.

Serbia topped the group,knocking over prevously unbeaten Argentina,84-82

Dusko Savanovic top scored for the Serbians with 19 points while houston Rockets' Luis Scola was the best contributer for Argentina with 32

LA Clippers'Eric Gordon scored 21 points to helped the USA maintain their unbeaten records in group play as they beat Tunisia 92-57 to top Group B and setup a last 16 meeting with Angola.

USA Coach Mike Kryzzweski was keeping his feet on the ground despite perfect record.

"We need to be ready for Angola because in the next stage,if we dont win,we dont win the World Basketball Championship", he said.

Slovenia took second spot,holding off a determined Iran 65-60,while Brazil claimed third spots from Slovakia by beating them92-74

Marcelino Machado was the best of the Brazilian with 18points.

In the other Group C,Russia was able to claimed second spot with a 73-69 victory over Greece

Timofey Mozgov,topped the scoring for Russia -which faces New Zealznd next-with 16points

In group D Canada will return home winless after failing 67-89 to Lithuania who go into the round off 16 unbeaten.Also returning home are Lebanon going down 84-66 Spain in their final game

In the final game of Group D,New Zealand were able to void facing Turkey in the next round by beating France 82-70 and finishing third.

Source www,journal..com.ph