体坛英语新闻：Russia defeat puts U.S. in semifinals at basketball worlds

ISTANBUL, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- 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.

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.

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.