The reigning Olympic champions of men’s basketball, the United States, advanced to the last eight of the Olympic tournament with a 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico in Lille on Saturday. This consolidated their leading position in Group C to remain unbeaten, winning all their three games.
Puerto Rico was the surprise underdog at the end of the first quarter, but the U.S. team took control afresh with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards scoring 26. Joel Embiid added 15, Kevin Durant contributed double figures with 13, James had 10, and Anthony Davis pitched in with 12 to comfortably wrap up the contest .
Hosts France will play Canada in the last eight, with Serbia facing Australia and Germany meeting Greece in the other quarter-final ties.
In an incredible effort, debutants South Sudan were sent home after a 96-85 loss to Serbia. Marial Shakoy and Carlik Jones combined for 34 points for the African team, but Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic scored a game-best 30 points as Nikola Jokic added 22 points and 13 rebounds. South Sudan coach Royal Ivey lauded the commitment of his team, calling the loss a “travesty.”
The win placed Spain at the top of Group A with a 70-62 victory over Serbia, who went through as runners-up and were led by Maria Conde with 15 points, while China picked up their first win, coming out on top against Puerto Rico 80-58 for third place.
