Top News

Russia defeat puts US in semifinals at FIBA Worlds

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-09-10 11:29

Russia's Dmitriy Khvostov (R) leaps high as he defends against Eric Gordon of the US during their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul September 9, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

ISTANBULb - The United States proceeds to the semifinals after defeating Russia 89-79 in the quarterfinals at the 2010 World Basketball Championships.

America's Kevin Durant dominated the game on Thursday night, scoring over a third of America's points.

Special coverage:  2010 FIBA Worlds Related readings:  US thump Angola as Russia sink New Zealand  Cheerleaders at 2010 FIBA World Championships  Cheerleading stunt at FIBA  Russia thumps Tall Blacks 78-56, sets up clash with united states

The undefeated US team maintained a narrow lead through most of the game, though Russia made sure not to fall too far behind.

The first quarter ended with a 25-25 tie and the first half finished with a close American lead of 44-39. America picked up the momentum in the third quarter finishing 70-56, but Russia would narrow the gap a bit in the final quarter to finish behind by only 10 points.

Durant was the game's top-scorer with 33 points while Russia's Sergei Bykov topped his team with 17 points.

The United States set for a semifinal clash with Lithuania who brushed aside Argentina 104-85 in another quarterfinal match.

Russia's Andrey Vorontsevich (L) grabs a pass away from USA's Derrick Rose during their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul September 9, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]