USA beat Germany to reach semis

Anthony scored 19 points to Nowitzki's 15

Carmelo Anthony scored 19 points as the United States advanced to the World Basketball Championship semi-finals by beating Germany 85-65 in Saitama.

America's NBA stars only led 40-39 at half-time but Anthony scored 10 points in an 18-4 run in the third quarter.

The Germans never came within 11 points again, although Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki managed 15 points. LeBron James added 13 points for the US team

The United States will play Greece, who beat France 73-56, in the last four.

Unbeaten Greece took their time to get going and an off-balance three-pointer from Dimitris Diamantidis put his side 34-24 ahead at the half-time interval.

But they powered away after the break, with Antonis Fotsis and Lazaros Papadopoulos both claiming 14 points.

France, who lost star guard Tony Parker just before the tournament, struggled to find their way through a well-marshalled Greece team.

They were only 51-43 behind going into the final quarter but their shooting was never accurate enough to threaten the European champions. The French shot just 35% from open play.

Friday's other semi-final will see reigning Olympic champion Argentina play Spain, looking for a global podium finish for the first time since the 1984 Olympics.