The US thrashed Australia, 96-78 yesterday, to dash the `boomers' remaining hopes of a last eight slot.

Yugoslavia shrugged off Monday's surprise loss to Italy to inflict the second defeat in two days on hosts Greece, the Yugoslavs winning 70-56 in front of a fervent 18,000 crowd at the Indoor Olympic Stadium.

Italy had earlier booked their quarter-final place with a hard-fought 68-63 success over Puerto Rico, while Argentina beat Brazil 86-76 to stake their claim.

When the dust settled it meant the quarter-final line will pitch Group F winners, the US, against Italy while group E victors Yugoslavia play Argentina, Greece meet Spain and Russia are up against Lithuania.

US coach Rudy Tomjanovic, delighted with his improving team, said after the win over Australia: ``It was a really big game for us. If we win we goto number one slot, if we get beaten we slip to fourth and for Australia it was do-or-die.''

It was another disappointing night for the Greek fans who had seen their side beaten by Russia on Monday.

The tournament, which resumes with the quarter-finals on Friday, ends on Sunday.