It wasn't easy but the United States advanced to the semifinals of the FIBA Under-19 World Championship for Women with an 88-75 win over France.

The U.S. trailed by six at the end of the first quarter before taking control of the game. Team captains Nneka Ogwumike, a rising sophomore at Stanford, and Skylar Diggins, a freshman to be at Notre Dame, led the way with 16 points each with Ogwumike adding nine rebounds. South Carolina incoming freshman Kelsey Bone added 12 points, six rebounds and two blocks while Miami rising sophomore Shenise Johnson had 10 points and eight rebounds. UConn incoming freshman Kelly Faris had six points, four rebounds and two steals.

The U.S. will face Canada, which stunned previously undefeated Australia 50-49, at 4:30 a.m. Saturday. Australia lost despite 26 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks from dynamic 6-foot-8 Elizabeth Cambage but her teammates were 8 for 49 from the floor.

Spain and Argentina will meet in the other semifinal.