US hoopers remain unbeaten

RIO DE JANEIRO — NBA marksman Klay Thompson shook off his Rio slump to net 30 points but the US labored again to defeat France Sunday as Olympic basketball heads for the knockout rounds. The 100-97 victory means the two-time defending gold medalists have won their group at 5-0 but must wait until Monday to learn their quarterfinal opponent. Australia, meanwhile, beat Venezuela 81-56 to finish second in Group A at 4-1 and thereby avoid the USA in the medal-round brackets. After close calls against Australia and Serbia, the heavily favored Americans had their hands full again despite France resting star guard Tony Parker for the medal rounds. France was down just 55-46 at halftime as they found ways to penetrate the American defensive press. Australia easily handled Venezuela, icing the contest with a 10-0 fourth-period run on a pair of three-pointers from guard Chris Goulding, who led all scorers with 22. Serbia defeated winless China 94-60 to grab the last Group A spot. In Group B, Argentina and Lithuania, both 3-1, have advanced but will seek wins Monday to decide who wins the group and avoids the USA’s bracket. In the women’s section, Team US lavished an American Olympic record 40 assists on each other Sunday, and Brittney Griner and Tina Charles led scorers with 18 points as they flicked aside an overmatched China in a 105-62 blowout. They finished their group 5-0 after a quintet of laughers and will begin quarter-final play Tuesday against an unlucky Japanese squad. The Americans have won seven of the past eight gold medals and are seeking a sixth straight. In other games, Spain beat Canada 73-60, and Serbia downed already eliminated Senegal 95-88. In the knockout phase, the US faces Japan, France takes on Canada, Serbia meets Group A winner Australia and Spain goes up against Turkey.