SAPPORO, Japan, Aug 23 - The United States survived their first real test at the world basketball championship with a 94-85 win over Italy on Wednesday.

Earlier, Olympic gold medallists Argentina crushed Nigeria and Spain beat African champions Angola as both teams joined the U.S. with a perfect 4-0 record.

The U.S. stormed back from a 45-36 halftime deficit, the odds-on tournament favourites outscoring Italy 35-19 in the third quarter to wrestle control of a physical Group D clash.

Carmelo Anthony exploded for 35 points and co-captain Dwyane Wade added 26 for the Americans, who are bidding to end a barren spell of six years without an Olympic or world title.

"Italy were magnificent," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski told reporters. "They were the toughest-minded players we've seen internationally."

Chicago Bulls' Andres Nocioni poured in 23 points on nine of nine shooting in a 98-64 blowout of Nigeria (1-3) in Group A that locked up Argentina's place in the last 16.

San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili added 20 points for Argentina, who look the most likely challengers to hot favourites U.S. for the gold medal.

"I don't think I've ever played a game where I didn't miss a shot -- at least not for the national team," said Nocioni. "We're playing very well and have a lot of confidence in our shooting."

In Group B, Pau Gasol led Spain to a 93-83 victory over Angola, the Memphis Grizzlies forward scoring 28 points as the group leaders extended their win streak to 13 games.

China got their first win in four Group D games by beating win-less Senegal 100-83 in Sapporo, keeping their faint hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.

YAO DOMINANT

Houston Rockets centre Yao Ming again led the way for the Chinese as the tournament's top scorer dropped in 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds in another dominant display.

"It makes a big difference," Yao told reporters. "It's a little bit like being lost in the desert for 10 days then finally tasting water."

European champions Greece eased past Brazil 91-80 to record their fourth win in Group C while Lithuania levelled their record at 2-2 by overwhelming Australia 78-57 in the same pool.

Australia and Brazil both face elimination after slipping to 1-3.

Meanwhile, defending champions Serbia & Montenegro also claimed their second victory with a 90-65 rout of Venezuela (1-3) in Group A.

Lebanon produced the upset of the day with a 74-73 victory over France, leaving both teams tied with the Serbs at 2-2.

Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki hit 25 points as Germany eased past win-less Panama 81-63 for their third victory in Group B.

New Zealand edged out hosts Japan 60-57 to leave both teams on 1-3.

Turkey preserved their perfect record with a 76-69 victory over a Qatar team looking to salvage some pride after losing all three of their previous Group C games.

Slovenia beat Puerto Rico 90-82 in Group D to leave both teams on 2-2. The knockout stages begin in Saitama on Saturday.