FIBA World Cup 2019: Giannis Antetokounmpo gets Greece through, USA thumps Japan

Team USA made it three straight wins at the FIBA World Cup, while Giannis Antetokounmpo booked Greece's second-round spot.

Published : Sep 05, 2019 23:03 IST

Giannis Antetokounmpo in action for Greece at the FIBA World Cup.
Giannis Antetokounmpo in action for Greece at the FIBA World Cup.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo in action for Greece at the FIBA World Cup.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was in sensational form as Greece booked its place in the FIBA World Cup second round, while the United States completed a clean sweep in Group E.

Greece won a qualification shootout 103-97 against New Zealand to follow Brazil out of Group F, the South American side making it three straight victories by overcoming Montenegro 84-73.

After needing overtime to see off Turkey last time out, Team USA was back in form as they hammered Japan 98-45.

Australia and France booked top spots in their respective groups with wins over Lithuania and Dominican Republic, while Germany and Canada got off the mark.

Here's a recap from Thursday's games.

USA is back on track

Team USA had five players in double figures for scoring as it comfortably saw off Japan in Shanghai.

Jaylen Brown had a game-high 20 points and Kemba Walker added 15 and eight assists in a routine victory for Gregg Popovich's side.

READ | Basket fall: Asia and Africa out of FIBA Basketball World Cup at first hurdle

The holder will face tricky encounters against Greece and Brazil in the second round.

Turkey was unable to follow the USA out of Group E, as Czech Republic advanced at its expense courtesy of a 91-76 victory in its meeting.

Giannis Antetokounmpo gets Greece going 

Having struggled to make his mark in Greece's opening two matches, Antetokounmpo ensured it campaign in China was not derailed in its first-round finale.

The Milwaukee Bucks forward posted a brilliant 24 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals to ensure Corey Webster's 31 points for New Zealand came in vain.

Defeat for the Tall Blacks meant rivals Australia qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games as the best ranked team from Oceania.

Australia makes history

The Boomers made it three straight wins at the start of a World Cup campaign for the first time in their history with an 87-82 victory over Lithuania.

Aron Baynes contributed 21 points and 13 assists for his first double-double in the competition, while Patty Mills scored 23 off eight-of-16 shooting.

The victory ensured Australia topped Group H ahead of Lithuania, with Nick Nurse's Canada taking third following an 82-60 defeat of Senegal.

Cory Joseph was key to Canada's success, combining 24 points with three assists and two steals.

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