Madrid, Sep 12 (IANS): The US booked their place in the final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup with a comfortable 96-68 win over Lithuania.
The reigning world champions were made to battle hard by the Lithuanian side in the first two quarters of the match Thursday, although they had increased their first quarter lead of 21-16 to 43-35 by halftime, reports Xinhua.
The game was decided in the third period as the Americans netted 33 points to their rivals 14 to lead by 76-49.
The superiority of the US was built on their dominance under the hoop as they pulled down 50 rebounds to Lithuania's 38.
The Americans will face France or Serbia in Sunday's final while Lithuania will face the losers of Friday's second semi-final for the bronze medal.