Andres Nocioni scored 23 points to lead Argentina to a 98-64 rout of Nigeria Wednesday in the World Basketball Championship in Japan.
The 2004 Olympic champions had no problems against their Group A opponent, storming out to a 41-30 half-time lead. Nocioni, who plays professionally for the Chicago Bulls, showed no lingering effects from a leg injury he suffered against Venezuela on Monday.
Teammate Manu Ginobili added 20 points for Argentina, who are now 4-0 for the tournament and in first place in their group.
Also on Wednesday, Pau Gasol scored 28 points to lead Spain to a 93-83 victory over Angola in Group B. The win boosted Spain to 4-0 in the tournament, while Angola suffered its first loss in four games.
Lithuania trounced Group C opponent Australia 78-57. Arvydas Macijauskas scored 20 points to lead the Lithuanians, who took advantage of sloppy play on the part of the Australians. Australia is now down 1-3 for the tournament, and must beat Qatar to have a chance to advance to the second round.
Superstar Yao Ming scored 26 points to lead China to a 100-83 victory over Senegal in Group D. It was China's first win in four games in the tournament, and the team must beat Slovenia to improve its chances of moving on to the second round.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.