Lithuania stays in perfect situation

Lithuania closed its perfect preliminary round with a flourish, beating Australia, 100-85, yesterday in Athens.

Two days after beating the United States, 94-90, Lithuania became the first team in the tournament to reach 100 points.

The game didn't change any of the placings as Lithuania (5-0) had locked up first place in Group B, while Australia (1-4) was fifth.

Lithuania used a 23-0 run to go ahead, 48-23, and it led, 52-28, at halftime. Australia closed within 7 points twice early in the fourth quarter but couldn't get any closer. Robertas Javtokas had 23 points and nine rebounds for Lithuania. Sarunas Jasikevicius, the hero of the win over the US with 28 points -- 16 in the fourth quarter -- had 11 points in 25 minutes.

Spain 88, New Zealand 84 -- Carlos Jimenez made two free throws for a 4-point lead with 12.4 seconds remaining.

China 67, Serbia-Montenegro 66 -- China clinched the final quarterfinal berth in Group A behind 27 points from Yao Ming.

Italy 76, Argentina 75 -- Massimo Bulleri made two free throws with 3.9 seconds left to give Italy a victory.

Greece 78, Puerto Rico 58 -- Puerto Rico closed within 10 points early in the fourth quarter, but the home team answered with a 15-4 run to regain control.