The Boomers have snuck through to the men’s basketball quarter-finals after Canada beat Spain 88-85 on Saturday (AEST) in a stressful game for Australian fans.

Canada star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sunk two late free throws to build a buffer before Sergio Llull’s late half court heave to force overtime for Spain fell well short.

The result means the 1-2 Boomers will progress to the knockout rounds as the second placed team behind Canada in Group A.

Watch every moment, every medal of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event streaming ad free, live and on demand with 4K on Stan Sport

The Boomers left their Olympic fate in the hands of others after slumping to an upset 77-71 loss to Greece in their final group game in Lille on Friday.

The Boomers came from 19 points down but ran out of time as Giannis Antetokounmpo (20 points) and naturalised Texan Thomas Walkup (18) gave them fits.

Australia were bronze medallists in Tokyo and heavy favourites against Greece.

LIVE UPDATES: Follow all the action from day seven

READ MORE: IOC defends its handling of gender issues at the Paris Olympics

READ MORE: The Olympic shooter who looks like a ‘regular guy’ – and won silver

“A couple of bad errors I think,” Boomers captain Patty Mills told Nine.

“And this is what the tournament game and FIBA is all about. Momentum. And we weren’t able to get over the line.”

The Boomers shot an atrocious 10/21 from the free throw line, which Mills admitted “definitely” cost his team.

“Got to practice more I think.”

Jock Landale led Australia with 17 points.

The top two teams in each of the three groups automatically qualify for the quarter-finals.

The final two spots in the next round go to the best third placed teams in group play.

Australia launched a huge comeback and got within 71-69 with less than three minutes remaining on a pull up jumper by Mills.

Mills then drew an offensive foul on Antetokounmpo, but Australia turned it over on their next possession.

Antetokounmpo then found Vasilis Toliopoulos, who knocked down a three pointer to put Greece back up by five.

The lead later grew to 77-70 on a Walkup three with a minute left.

“We didn’t want to leave this tournament without getting a win,” Antetokounmpo said.

“We felt like we had a very good team to not get the win.

“And we competed. We fight for all three games. And I think this has been a game that we had to fight for until the end.”

Australia’s Dyson Daniels had to go to the locker room for treatment in the second quarter after an awkward slip on the court but he was able to return. – with AP