[Stardust]

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Howard Thompkins III had 14 points and nine rebounds, and the United States qualified for the quarterfinals with an 82-61 win over Puerto Rico at the FIBA under-19 world championships Tuesday.

The United States (5-0) clinched first place in Group E. Butler's Shelvin Mack, the former Bryan Station star, came off the bench to score seven points and pull down four rebounds and Kentucky's Darius Miller added four points and three rebounds.

Puerto Rico fell to 3-2.

Rutgers guard Mike Rosario, who had scored 54 points in Puerto Rico's previous game, was held to 11.

The United States led 20-13 after a tight first quarter but went on a 23-6 run in the second period to take a 43-19 lead into halftime.

Croatia and Australia also qualified for Friday's quarterfinals.

Miller is averaging 4.2 points and 4.2 boards in just less than 15 minutes per game. Mack is averaging 7.2 points and 2.8 assists, playing 19.8 minutes per game.