As the group phase came to an enthralling end right across Spain, it was at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre where the most intense battle was underway, with the Kiwis and Finns going head-to-head for a spot in the round of 16.

Despite taking a 20-point lead, New Zealand were left fighting tooth and nail to ensure the victory following a spirited comeback by a resilient Finnish side.

Petteri Koponen, Finland's player of the tournament, had a chance to tie the game at the death but his mid-range jump shot was short, gifting the victory to the New Zealanders.

The New Zealanders were then assured their berth in the knockout phase after the United States continued their dominant form with a 95-71 victory over Ukraine.

The loss was a nail in the coffin for Ukraine as their head-to-head form against the Dominican Republic and New Zealand cost them a spot in the round of 16, despite the three teams holding identical two-three win/loss records.

Lithuania caused a stir at the Gran Canaria Arena in Las Palmas as they secured an exciting 67-64 win over previously unbeaten Slovenia to leapfrog them into first place in group D.

The Slovenians finished in second ahead of Australia, who dropped to third after a 91-83 upset at the hands of Angola.

Despite the win, the 2013 AfroBasket winners were still met with an early exit from the World Cup following Mexico's 87-71 victory over South Korea.

Pau Gasol netted 20 points in a 89-73 victory for Spain over Serbia to maintain the host's 100 per cent record at the World Cup ©Getty Images



Pau Gasol ensured hosts Spain continued their 100 per cent record after netting 20 points in an 89-73 victory over Serbia at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes de Granada in Granada.

Slotting in behind Spain in group A were Brazil, who thrashed Egypt 128-65 to maintain their good form at this World Cup.

Wrapping up the top four were France and Serbia, with the former claiming a tough 81-76 victory over fifth-placed Iran.

Group B saw a 103-82 victory for Croatia over Dominican Republic ensure their berth in the round of 16 as they finished behind group leaders Greece.

The Greeks were unbeaten going into the final day of group play and continued that streak with a 79-71 victory over Argentina at the Palacio Municipal de Deportes San Pablo in Seville.

The loss dropped Argentina into third behind Croatia, while Senegal rounded off the top four despite falling to an 81-79 defeat to the Philippines, a first win of the tournament for the Asian side.

Tomorrow sees a rest day for all 16 teams progressing to the round of 16, with fixtures due to resume in Madrid and Barcelona on Saturday (September 6).

In Barcelona on Saturday, the United States will meet Mexico in a battle of the Americas in the first of two games, while the Dominican Republic square off against Slovenia in the second.

In Madrid, France will face off against Croatia in the opener, with Spain and Senegal going head to head in the second match.

The sport's governing body will be hoping to see similar viewing figures to that of the past week during the elimination stages of the World Cup with numbers peaking at almost five million in Spain's 88-64 victory over France yesterday.

Audiences have also been promising across the tournament group phase with a total of 477,617 spectators attending the 60 games played in the four venues.

The biggest capacity crowd recorded was the 15,483 who watched the thrilling Finland-New Zealand clash this evening.

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