It is the penultimate day in the group stage of the men’s tournament and following a fright against Serbia, the USA looked for a more polished showing against a team with the most NBA firepower outside of the American roster in the shape of France.
The Boomers conclude their impressive first round showing against Venezuela, who have shown a great deal of fight in their campaign and Group A concludes with Serbia looking to inflict a fifth straight loss on China, whose elimination has been confirmed.
USA NARROWLY ESCAPE WITH WIN OVER FRANCE
The U.S. qualified with a perfect 5-0 record but this was the most challenging group phase that the Americans have ever encountered since Beijing 2008.
Klay Thompson finished with a game-high 30 points, including seven three-pointers as the USA beat France 100-97 in a thrilling encounter, worthy of the gold medal game.
France, who played without Tony Parker finish with a 3-2 record, and despite the loss, they still advanced.
BOOMERS GIVE MILLS NIGHT OFF, STILL BEAT VENEZUELA
Australia secured an 81-56 victory over Venezuela for their fourth win as they head to the quarter-finals on form.
The Boomers were ready to play from the off, streaking out to a 16-2 lead. Venezuela clawed their way back with an 8-0 run and closed the gap to 23-19 but got no closer.
With no Patty Mills in the line-up, Chris Goulding, who came into the game averaging less than a point per contest poured in a game-high 22 points.
SERBIA END ON A HIGH, EASE PAST CHINA
Serbia breezed past a poor China side 94-60 to reach the quarter-finals by securing their second win of the Olympics.
A 9-0 run to start the second quarter was all that Serbia needed as a closely-fought first period was blown open and China got no closer and end their second straight summer games with a 0-5 record.
Bogdan Bogdanovic led Serbia with 19 points.
Photo: FIBA
