Today saw the final day of group stage action in the women’s basketball tournament. The USA looked to make it 5-0 when they faced China, the European champions Serbia squared off against African champions Senegal and pool play is completed with an interesting encounter between Spain and Canada.

USA DEMOLISH CHINA TO FINISH PERFECT

USA needed a dominant first quarter in order to ease past China 105-62 to finish an expected 5-0 in Group B.

The Americans raced out to a 32-9 lead heading into the second quarter and that was all they needed. The USA also dominated China across the board – fast-break points (42-2), points in the paint (68-24), bench points (47-16). Brittany Griner posted a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds.

The loss sends China packing from the Olympics with a 1-4 record.

SERBIA BEAT SENEGAL, BOOK SPOT IN QUARTERS

After starting 0-3, Serbia defeated Senegal 95-88 to eliminate the African nation from contention and put the Eurobasket Women champs into the last eight.

Serbia were in control for most of the first half, taking their first double-digit lead, 25-15, late in the first quarter and then stretching that out to a 20-point advantage, 47-27, midway through the second. A 10-0 run spanning the end of the second quarter and early part of the third had Senegal cut the deficit to single digits, 57-48. They kept on coming and were within 59-53 with 7:03 to go in the period, but, needing a 22-point win to advance, Senegal couldn’t do any more, Serbia finished strong and eliminated the proud African nation.

Sonja Petrovic had 20 points to lead Serbia.

SPAIN FINISH SECOND IN GROUP B

Spain beat Canada 73-60 to finish second in Group B to wrap up the group stages.

It was Spain’s third win in a row as they finished 4-1 in the pool stage. They will take on Turkey – who came in third in Group A – in Tuesday’s quarter-finals at Carioca Arena.

Canada suffered a second consecutive loss that dropped them to 3-2, leaving them third in the group. A date with France in the Last Eight now awaits.

Alba Torrens hit a game-high 20 points to lead Spain.

Photo: FIBA