PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC — Team USA used a 22-0 second quarter run to take command of a close game and pull away for a 94-51 victory over Australia on Tuesday at the FIBA U19 World Championship.

With the victory, Team USA improves to 5-0 in the tournament and guarantees itself a spot in the Round of Eight, which begins on Friday and will determine the champion of the tournament.

UL’s Elfrid Payton had his least productive game of the tournament.

He was hindered by first half foul trouble and played a tournament-low 12 minutes. He did score four points with two rbeounds, one assist and two steals in his fifth start of the event.

In other Pool “F” games on Tuesday, Serbia improved to 5-0 with a 76-60 win over China (3-2) and Russia (2-3) edged Brazil (1-4), 82-76.

Team USA will face Serbia at 1:15 CDT today to determine the Pool “F” championship.

In Pool “E” Spain (5-0) will play Lithuania (4-1) for the title on Wednesday.

Aaron Grodon came off the bench to lead five Americans in double figures with 15 points.

Marcus Smart was the only starter in double figures, finishing with 11 points, while reserves Montrezl Harrel (13 points), Jahlil Okafor (12) and Justice Winslow (10 points, 10 rebounds).

Kalau Von Hofe was the only Australia in double figures, going 5-for-9 from three-point as part of a 17 point game.

Team USA owned a 24-12 edge after one quarter and Australia closed to within 33-19 on a Felix Kalau Von Hofe three-pointer at the 7:31 mark of the second quarter before the Americans ran off 22 straight points to take control, 55-19, with 25 seconds left in the half.

Although Australia would play closer in the second half, being out-scored 39-31 in the second 20 minutes, they could not overcome the high scoring by the Americans.

Defensive pressure again proved to be the difference as Team USA made 18 steals, forced 23 Australian turnovers and held them to .328 shooting (19-58).

The game would not have been as close had Australia not gone 13-for-33 from three-point (.394).

Team USA has averaged 100.2 points per game in going 5-0, winning by an average of 50.2 points per contest.