US through to semi with easy win over Japan

The ambitious Japanese women's basketball team failed to make history at the Olympics as they lost 110-64 to the powerhouse United States in a quarter-final match here on Tuesday.

The Asian champions, aiming for a medal finish at Rio, battled in every corner of the court in the first half before they stumbled in front of American bench.

Japan trailed only 30-23 in the first quarter and closed in by just two points in the second on 46-44 before the U.S. pulled away by 56-46 at the break.

The bench of the U.S. contributed 62 points, compared to 14 from the counterpart, when they extended the lead to over 40 points in the second half.

Seven Americans scored in double digits as Maya Moore and Taurasi led the team with 19 points each. Ramu Tokashiki led Japan with 14 points.

Canada led for most of the match but surrendered down the stretch as France earned a berth in the semifinal against the U.S. with a victory of 68-63.

France turned a 13-points deficit into a one-point lead before the match was tied 50-50 at the end of the third quarter.

France scored 8 straight points after trailing by 52-50 before Canada clawed back to 60-59. France scored next four points to give only 33 seconds to Canada, which failed to regain the lead.

In earlier matches, European champions Serbia snapped Australia's medal finishing run in five consecutive Olympics with a 73-71 win.

Australia won three silver and two bronze medals since 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Spain edged off Turkey 64-62 in another quarter-final match to set up a semi-final meeting with Serbia.