LILLE, France (Reuters) - Germany edged past Japan 75-64 in Group C to advance to the quarter-finals and Canada defeated Australia 70-65 in Group B in the second round of Olympic women's basketball games on Thursday.
The unstoppable Satou Sabally scored 33 points to book Germany's place in the next round in after they also beat Belgium in their opener.
"I'm super excited. We believed in ourselves the whole time and I think now it's finally showing that German basketball is really elevated in Europe and all around the world." the WNBA Dallas Wings forward told reporters.
In Group B, Australia beat Canada to secure their first Olympic win after an opening loss to Nigeria.
The Australians had a tough time with the Canadian attack, but secured victory thanks to guard Sami Whitcomb who finished with 19 points, five rebounds and 10 assists.
Nigeria take on hosts France in Group B and defending champions the United States face Belgium in Group C later on Thursday.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Lille, editing Ed Osmond)
