Roundup: Greece, Czech Republic into last 16 in FIBA World Cup

The first round matches of the FIBA World Cup have the last 16 teams finalized on Thrusday for the second round.

During the second round, teams advancing from the same group will not play against each other, with the top two teams from each of the further four groups qualifying for the quarterfinals.

NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, with 24 points and 10 rebounds, inspired Greece to a 103-97 victory over New Zealand in Group F. The hard-fought victory granted Greece a berth in the second round, together with Brazil, who continued the momentum after upsetting Greece on Tuesday to have their third victory at the tournament beating Montenegro 84-73.

Giannis Antetokounmpo makes a slam dunk during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Group F game between Greece and New Zealand in Nanjing, China on Sep 5, 2019. [Photo: IC]

The Czech Republic made history progressing to the second round at their first ever FIBA World Cup since their last participation in the then-called World Championship in 1982. The Czechs beat Turkey 91-76 to finnish runner-up in Group E behind leaders USA, who trounced Japan 98-45 on Thursday.

"Our team played really amazingly," said Czech coach Ronen Ginzburg. "They did what I asked and more. They are lions. We will celebrate this win for a long time, personally and as a country."

Elsewhere, Patty Mills and Aron Baynes led Australia past Lithuania 87-82 to top Group H. Both teams reach last 16. Canada defeated Senegal 82-60, the two teams will play in the classification round.

France destroyed the Dominican Republic 90-56 to win Group G with four players scoring double-digit. Germany smashed Jordan 96-62 to win their first match at the World Cup, yet both of them will have to play the classification round.

"We valued this match and prepared for it obsessively. And we are looking forward to the tough game against Australia and Lithuania," France coach Vincent Collet said.

FIBA World Cup will start the second round matches on September 6.