Russia defeat puts U.S. in semifinals at basketball worlds

USA's Kevin Durant (L) blocks a shot by Russia's Timofey Mozgov during their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul September 9, 2010.


ISTANBUL, Sept. 9 -- The United States proceeds to the semifinals after defeating Russia 89-79 in the quarterfinals at the 2010 World Basketball Championships.

America's Kevin Durant dominated the game on Thursday night, scoring over a third of America's points.

The undefeated US team maintained a narrow lead through most of the game, though Russia made sure not to fall too far behind.

The first quarter ended with a 25-25 tie and the first half finished with a close American lead of 44-39. America picked up the momentum in the third quarter finishing 70-56, but Russia would narrow the gap a bit in the final quarter to finish behind by only 10 points.

Durant was the game's top-scorer with 33 points while Russia's Sergei Bykov topped his team with 17 points.

The United States set for a semifinal clash with Lithuania who brushed aside Argentina 104-85 in another quarterfinal match.

Russel Westbrook from the U.S. dunks against Russia during their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul September 9, 2010.

Russia's Anton Ponkrashov (L) reacts after his team's loss to the USA during their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul September 9, 2010.

USA's Russel Westbrook battles Russia's Andrey Vorontsevich (front) for a rebound during their FIBA Basketball World Championship game in Istanbul September 9, 2010.

(Reuters)