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Dallas Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki led Germany to a comfortable 104-68 victory over Cape Verde in their opening game of the Olympic basketball qualifying tournament.

The 30-year-old power forward led the scoring with 16 points, while Los Angeles Clippers centre Chris Kaman marked his international debut for the Germans with 10 rebounds.

The U.S.-born Kaman was granted a German passport earlier this month.

Germany have sealed their place in the quarter-finals although will have to beat New Zealand on Wednesday to finish as winners of group B.

Neither side will relish the prospect of taking on Greece although the hosts still have to overcome Brazil to make sure of top spot in group A.

Slovenia made sure of their passage into the quarter-finals as winners of Group C with an 86-70 win over Canada with Jaka Lakovic top-scoring with 19 points.

Canada now face a tough final encounter with South Korea to see who will accompany the Slovenians into the last eight.

"We still have the goal in front of us, it's still achievable," said Canadian guard Rowan Barrett.

"We just have to regroup, stay positive and come and get the win tomorrow."

Slovenia will face either Puerto Rico or Croatia in the quarter-finals after the Puerto Ricans held off a spirited comeback from Cameroon to see off the Africans 81-72.

At one point Puerto Rico were leading by 21 points but with less than two minutes left on the clock, Harding Nana, with 22 points, had inspired Cameroon to within three points.

Puerto Rico will meet Croatia on Wednesday for first place in Group D.

Three teams from the tournament qualify for next month's Beijing Olympics, joining Angola, Argentina, Australia, China, Iran, Lithuania, Russia, Spain and the United States, who have already qualified.

Reuters