US tops Puerto Rico to reach quarterfinals at under-19 championships

US tops Puerto Rico at under-19 championships

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Howard Thompkins III had 14 points and nine rebounds and the United States qualified for the quarterfinals with an 82-61 win over Puerto Rico at the FIBA under-19 world championships Tuesday.

Gordon Hayward had 11 points, seven rebounds and three steals for the United States, which clinched first place in Group E.

The United States (5-0) led 20-13 after a tight first quarter but went on a 23-6 run in the second period to take a 43-19 lead into halftime.

Croatia and Australia also qualified for Friday’s quarterfinals.

Australia beat Argentina 76-65 and Croatia defeated Spain 91-72.

Argentina, Spain, Puerto Rico and Lithuania are among teams needing to win their last second-round games on Wednesday to advance to the last eight.

In other games, France beat Lithuania 95-78, Greece beat Egypt 100-59 and Canada beat Kazakhstan 108-70.