TENERIFE, Spain, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Basketball powerhouse the United States kept a perfect record in the group phase of the 2018 FIBA Women's World Cup by beating Latvia 102-76 while China are set to meet Japan in quarterfinal qualification action here on Tuesday.
Seven Americans recorded double digit scores, led by Tina Charles' 18 points. Veteran guard Diana Taurasi contributed 16 points. Brittney Griner, coming back from an ankle injury, finished with 15 points and six rebounds in just over 13 minutes. Having already secured the top spot in Group D, the U.S. rested Elena Delle Donne and Sue Bird.
Tournament debutantes Latvia had reasons to hold their heads high, as they trailed by just 11 points midway through the third quarter following Kristine Vitola's shot beyond the arc. It was short-lived however, as a 17-0 run from the defending champions closed out the quarter. Anete Steinberga scored a game-high 30 points on five three-pointers.
China finished second in the group as they withstood a late rally from Senegal to win 75-66. Chinese player Li Meng scored a team-high 15 points. Captain Shao Ting had 10. Younger players continued to show progress as Li Yueru grabbed 11 rebounds and Li Yuan dished out seven assists.
Leading by 17 points early in the third quarter, China saw their advantage reduced to five by the African side, who drastically improved their three-point shooting percentage later on. Senegal continued to press on and came as close as two points when Bintou Dieme made a layup with 1:25 remaining.
But China held firm through Sun Mengran's layup and a pair of free throws from Wang Siyu, before securing their victory as Li Meng hit a three-pointer with seven seconds left on the clock. China, the Asian Games gold medalists, will fight against Group C's third-placed side Japan for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Elsewhere, Belgium upset hosts Spain 72-63 in an historic win. Spain's Marta Xargay converted both free throws as Spain trailed 70-63 with 1.1 seconds to go. Belgian center Emma Meesseman scored a layup at the buzzer to change everything.
With the same 2-1 record as Spain and Japan, Belgium grabbed the top spot in the group due to a superior points difference. Belgium showed why they were in the World Cup as they took a 39-32 lead into halftime. Leading by 15 points heading into the final period, Belgium didn't seem challenged, as Spain never came closer than seven points for the rest of the match. Kim Mestdagh managed 21 points for Belgium. Meesseman, who played in the WNBA, finished with 19 points and the decisive layup.
Japan got past Puerto Rico 69-61 in the other final round match of Group C. China have lost to Japan on consecutive occasions since the 2013 Asian Championships, before triumphing twice en route to the Asian Games gold medal.
Senegal also advanced to Wednesday's qualifications despite the loss. They will face world No. 2 Spain. Australia sit atop Group B after powering past Turkey 90-64 and keeping their winning record intact. Australian center Liz Cambage dominated the paint with 25 points in 19 minutes, including 24 in the first half. Nigeria downed Argentina 75-70, moving through the group stage along with Turkey.
Canada beat France 71-60 in a head-to-head for the top position in Group A. Greece beat South Korea 58-48, sending the winless Asian team crashing out of the tournament. Canada and Australia automatically secured quarterfinal berths. France will meet Turkey, while Nigeria take on Greece in qualifications.
