NANJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Brazil eased past Montenegro 84-73 to claim a win in their last match in Group F at FIBA Basketball World Cup here on Thursday.
Marcelinho Huertas of Brazil racked up a team-high 16 points and had six assists. Derek Needham battled hard for Montenegro, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Brazil had already booked a ticket to the last 16 after holding off Greece's fierce attack on Tuesday. Montenegro, unable to enter the second round, also played on the court free of pressure and led the first quarter by one point.
Brazil had its NBA veterans Anderson Varejao and Leandro Barbosa to start the second quarter. They poured on the pressure with jump shots and fast breaks to take a six-point lead at halftime.
With a better defense, the Brazilians maintained a double-digit lead by attacking the rim.
During the last minutes, Montenegro tuned up to pour in a string of three-pointers to catch a glimpse of hope by trailing 72-77 before the Brazilians turned up to seal the victory.
Brazil, ranking top in Group F, is scheduled to play against the top two teams from Group E in the second round.