BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Both Venezuela and Puerto Rico booked their tickets to the last 16 after scoring their respective victories in Group A and C of the 2019 FIBA World Cup on Wednesday.
In Group A, European powerhouse Poland breezed past Cote d'Ivoire 80-63 for its third straight victory, advaning as group winner to the round of 16.
In a do-or-die match, China lost to Venezuela 72-59, lagging behind all the way after its opening two points. The result saw Venezuela progress into the next stage, while China plays in classification round.
Nigeria trounced South Korea 108-66 for its first win in Group B, but still missed out the chance of advancing to the round of 16. Argentina beat Russia 69-61 to top the group as both sides already advanced earlier.
Spain edged Iran 73-65 to top Group C, leaving Iran out of the last 16. Puerto Rico overcame an eight-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Tunisia 67-64 to advance from the group.
In Group D, Angola netted its first victory by prevailing over the Philippines 84-81 through overtime, but neither will make round of 16, while Serbia kept its sheet intact with a 92-77 win over Italy to top the group.
