US lead way into quarter-finals

28 Aug, 2006

Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony poured in 20 points as the United States flexed their muscles, crushing Australia 113-73 to book their place in the world basketball championship quarter-finals on Sunday.
European champions Greece overcame a slow start to score a runaway 95-64 win over China but Germany and France were forced to fend off late African challenges to secure their spots in the final eight.
Dallas Mavericks All Star Dirk Nowitzki had 23 points and pulled down nine rebounds as Germany held on to beat Nigeria 78-77 while France tamed African champions Angola 68-62.
Looking to end a barren spell of six years without an Olympic or world title, all 12 members of the power-packed US line-up found the scoreboard with Atlanta Hawks's Joe Johnson contributing 18 points and Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade chipping in with 15. Riding a six game unbeaten streak, the US team has looked in ominous from, rekindling memories of the original Dream Team as they roll towards a quarter-final showdown with Germany.

Read Comments