USA to play Argentina, Spain v France as Basketball reaches Knockout Stages

After the final day of the men’s basketball tournament at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the Olympics basketball quarterfinals pairings were set. Some unfortunate teams were eliminated on Monday and will have tougher match-ups in the next round, the quarterfinals knockout stage.

Hosts Brazil beat Nigeria, 86-69 but needed Lithuania to beat Croatia to stand a chance in the Knock Stages but it was Croatia who won 90-81. Brazil was eliminated while Croatia climbed in their group to take on Serbia, the fourth placed team in the other group.

Argentina needed a win against Spain to retain their standing as the No. 1 in the group but lost, 92-73. The Argentines end up in fourth place in their group and will face the powerhouse Team USA in the quarterfinals.

Lithuania was already assured of making the quarterfinals and will face Australia, one of the teams that gave the Americans some trouble in the group stage.

Meanwhile, it’s Spain vs. France in one of the QF match-ups and those teams will relive their European rivalry. France also did well against Team USA and made it a close game against the Americans even without star point guard Tony Parker.

Group Stages Final Standings – 2016 Rio Olympics Basketball (Men)

USA – 5-0
Australia – 4-1
France – 3-2
Serbia – 2-3
Venezuela – 1-4
China – 0-5

Croatia – 3-2
Spain – 3-2
Lithuania – 3-2
Argentina – 3-2
Brazil – 2-3
Nigeria – 1-4

Quarterfinals (Knockout) Schedule – 2016 Rio Olympics Basketball (Men)

USA vs. Argentina
Australia vs. Lithuania
Spain vs. France
Croatia vs. Serbia

Venezuela, Nigeria, China and Brazil are all eliminated from contention.

Team USA, which has been tested the past three games, must win against Argentina and against the winner of Spain and France to enter the medal rounds.

2016 Rio Olympics men’s basketball quarterfinals, which are knockout games for all, will begin on Wednesday.