Group A will slowly begin to take shape as the hosts look to save their Olympic tournament with a challenging encounter against France, but the first match of day six sees a pivotal match-up between Belarus and Turkey as the loser takes an unfortunate step towards elimination.

TURKEY EDGE BELARUS TO TAKE ONE STEP TOWARDS LAST EIGHT

Turkey edged Belarus in a tightly-contested battle 74-71 as they took one step closer towards the quarter-finals by improving their record to 2-2.

Belarus though had their opportunities to secure a win, having possession and trailing 72-71 with 1:45 remaining. However, they missed their opportunities to edge in front in the final minute and the Turks sealed the win from the free-throw line.

Nevriye Yilmaz turned back the clocks at 36-years-old by draining a game-high 26 points, reducing Belarus to a single win from their four games and nearing elimination from the Olympics.

FRANCE ELIMINATE HOSTS

Like they did at London 2012, France, once again eliminated the Olympic Games.

France beat Brazil 74-64 to all but seal their place in the quarter-finals and dump the hosts out of their home Olympic Games.

Sandrine Gruda had a personal 5-0 run in the third quarter that resulted in France’s advantage going from a close 40-35 to 45-35 and hand France their first double-digit of the game.

Gaelle Skrela led France with 18 points.

AUSTRALIA SPRING INTO LIFE IN FOURTH TO BEAT JAPAN

Australia came from behind to snatch a 92-86 win over Japan after they found a second wind in the final period.

The Japanese will count themselves unlucky against the world number two side as the Asians led for the majority of the contest, and even led 71-59 after three quarters before the Opals took over.

Elizabeth Cabbage took full advantage of a small Japan line-up to lead the way with 37 points and 10 rebounds.

Photo: FIBA