China won 78-77, with tournament top scorer Yao Ming providing a game-high 35 points.

Also in Group D, Italy ousted Puerto Rico in a 73-72 thriller while unbeaten Team USA thrashed winless Senegal 103-58.

Slovenians may have been crying after their team's defeat earlier in the day but it was all smiles hours later, as their neighbours Italy handed them a favour by beating Puerto Rico, a result that has allowed the tournament debutants to compete in the final round in Saitama as they finished third of their group.

But Wang's three, the most important shot in Chinese basketball history, is likely to haunt the Slovenians for sometime, for they were leading 77-75 with six seconds left.

It all ended in tears for Larry Ayuso and Co as they failed to keep their focus in the crucial stage of their game against Italy.

The team from the Americas, who like Italy received a wild card to play in the FIBA World Championship, turned the ball over twice in the last minute of the game.

Team USA stormed to a 58-24 half-time lead against Senegal.

They go to Saitama unbeaten and as Group D winners.