Aussie comeback destroys Russia

Australia's Opals came back from a 12-point half-time deficit to crush Russia 75-55 to top women's Group A.

Lauren Jackson and Belinda Snell each had 16 points for Australia, who won the third quarter 30-10.

The win means the World champions will avoid a match-up with Group B winners USA in the quarter and semi-finals.

Elsewhere, China beat the Czech Republic 79-63 to finish second in Group B and South Korea held on to beat Latvia 72-68 and advance.

The Koreans let a 17-point lead slip to just two as Ieva Kublina hit 13 fourth-quarter points but the result eliminated Latvia from the tournament.

606: DEBATE
Are Team USA a foregone conclusion as gold medallists?

Lijie Miao scored 21 points for China, who jumped to second in Group B as the Czechs were put to the sword. The win gives the hosts a tricky tie against Belarus, whose defeat to Brazil was meaningless in terms of qualification.

Australia will take on the Czechs in Tuesday's quarter-finals, while the USA face a tie against South Korea.

Spain, dumped into third place by China's win, will face Russia in the quarters after strolling to a 79-47 win over Mali with 21 points coming from veteran Amaya Valdemoro.

The USA were too strong for New Zealand, beating them 96-60 as Tina Thompson poured in 15 points in just 17 minutes on court.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Beijing 2008 - basketball
Guide to basketball - Wikipedia
British Basketball League
Basic basketball skills
Basic basketball rules
Powerbasketball.com
International Basketball Federation (Fiba)
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites