BASKETBALL: Two three-pointers in the final minute has guided Turkey to a 65-64 win over the Australian Men's Basketball Team in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Barcelona this morning.
The heart-breaking one-point defeat brings an end to the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup for the Australians.
It was advantage Australia inside the final minute, holding a 64-59 lead only to see Turkey hit two huge three-pointers – including a deep triple from Emir Preldzic with five seconds left in the game.
The Aussies were unable to get a shot off in the final seconds, with the narrow defeat seeing Australia finish the tournament with a 3-3 record.
Australian Head Coach Andrej Lemanis said he had a strong sense of pride for the efforts of his team.
“I’m very proud of the group and what they have achieved since we came together,” Lemanis said.
Tip-off was delayed by more than 10 minutes due to structural issues with the ring, which was compounded by further delays due to a faulty shot clock midway through the first quarter.
When asked in the post-game media conference whether the delays impacted on his team’s performance, Lemanis said it is important to play each game and situation as it comes.
“We rotate our players a lot so we like the game to be continuous,” Lemanis said.
“I think once it stops and slows it suited Turkey. We were running their guards pretty hard and that extra time gave them a bit of a break.
“But that’s sport – you’ve got to play the circumstances as they unfold and that’s one thing we pride ourselves on as a team is trying to be amorphous and adjusting to whatever situation is in front of us.”
Aron Baynes was again a standout for the Aussies, capping off a brilliant tournament with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Matthew Dellavedova had his best game of the World Cup, posting 13 points, five assists and three rebounds.
Joe Ingles was again influential, finishing the game with 10 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Cameron Bairstow played big minutes off the bench (19) on his way to 10 points and five rebounds.
Turkey was quick out of the blocks, racing to a 7-3 lead before a Ryan Broekhoff three-pointer sparked the Boomers into action, going on a 13-4 run to eventually take an 18-15 lead into the first break.
As Baynes and Bairstow began to take control down low, the Australian lead grew to as many as seven points before Turkey whittled away at the advantage and claimed the ascendency 32-31 in the shadows of half time.
A one-point half time Boomers’ lead would hit double digits after the restart, with the manic defensive pressure leading to transition baskets and a 48-36 score line midway through the third quarter.
With a technical foul called on the Turkish coach it appeared the wheels were falling off, but the 2010 FIBA Basketball World Cup silver medallists grinded away at the Australian lead, cutting it to just four points heading into the deciding fourth quarter.
Foul trouble saw the Boomers put Turkey in the penalty inside with more than six minutes to play, but they managed to hold the advantage on the scoreboard right into the final minute.
Turkey would produce two miraculous shots from beyond the arc to turn the 64-59 Australian advantage into a 65-64 Turkish victory.
Basketball Australia
Aussies to face Turkey
The Australian Men's Basketball Team are Barcelona bound after finishing third in Group D to setup a crossover with Turkey in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.
A final quarter onslaught from Angola has inspired the African nation to a 91-83 win over the Boomers in their final group stage game in Gran Canaria on Thursday night.
The loss resulted in the Australians finishing third in Group D with a 3-2 record, setting up a knockout fixture with second-placed team from Group C, Turkey in the early hours of Monday morning.
Should Australia advance a Quarter Final against the winner of Lithuania and New Zealand awaits.
Coming close to upsetting Slovenia in their previous game, Angola produced a brilliant second half performance, inspired by centre Yanick Moreira posting a remarkable 38 points at 71% shooting to go with 15 rebounds – including an eye-popping 22 points in the third quarter.
Australian Head Coach Andrej Lemanis said while the shooting continues to impress, the defensive performance was lacking in the second half.
“That game proves that everyone at the World Cup is a good basketball team… and Angola is a good team with lots of international experience,” Lemanis said.
“We shoot the ball pretty well (51% FG and 56% 3FG), our offense wasn’t too bad, but in defensive transition we were found lacking tonight.
“Certainly we got outrebounded and we had 18 turnovers, and that’s frustrating for how we want to play as a group.
“Obviously we rested some players tonight, knowing that we were going to go to Barcelona (for the knockout rounds), but still that second half performance was disappointing.”
Securing qualification with the win over Mexico the previous evening after a gruelling schedule of four games in five days, Lemanis took the opportunity to give some vital playing time to several of his talented reserves ahead of the knockout phase.
They took this opportunity with both hands as Chris Goulding showed off his offensive arsenal, posting a team-high 22 points (6-of-12 3FG) to go with six rebounds.
After limited minutes through the first four games, emerging star Dante Exum played 31 minutes, displaying his full playmaking skills, finishing with 12 points, a game-high six assists and three rebounds.
Brad Newley and Nathan Jawai were promoted to the starting five after impressing as impact players during the earlier group games, with Jawai showing his value as a passing big man.
The 29-year-old gave out three dimes to go with 10 points (5-of-7 FG) and five rebounds in a tournament-high 30 minutes.
Regular rotation players in Brock Motum (13 points and four rebounds), Cameron Bairstow (11 points and five rebounds) and Adam Gibson (nine points and four assists) excelled in expanded roles.
Carrying the momentum from their narrow loss to Slovenia, Angola jumped the Boomers and held an early lead before Exum and Goulding began to stamp themselves on the game to establish a 22-17 lead at quarter time.
The second quarter saw Goulding heat up, hitting three triples on his way to 13 points for the first half as the Boomers established a 42-29 advantage going into the main break.
Offensive exploded for both teams after the restart as Motum and Bairstow the Boomers ticking along, but it was the Moreira show.
The 211cm centre would score 22 of Angola’s 34 points for the quarter and have them trailing the Boomers 65-63 with one quarter remaining.
Big three-pointers from Motum and Goulding gave the Australians a comfortable buffer, but the Angolans were soon in front inside the final five minutes.
Everything was falling for the Africans as they closed out the game on a 14-5 run to claim the eight-point victory.
Australia's Round of 16 clash against Turkey will be in the early hours of Monday morning (Tip-off TBC) with the game televised LIVE on ABC2.
Basketball Australia
Aussies make it 3-in-a-row
4 September
BASKETBALL: The Australian men's basketball team have made it three wins on the bounce, fighting off a determined Mexico to record a 70-62 victory in their penultimate Group D game at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup overnight in Gran Canaria.
It was a game in stark contrast to the previous night’s free-flowing win against Lithuania, but the Aussies avoided any potential let down with a professional display.
After a first half arm wrestle, the Aussies found their igniter, with Ryan Broekhoff shaking off a cold first half (0-of-5 FG) to drop 12 points in the third quarter on 4-of-4 from beyond the arc - growing the lead to what would prove an unassailable 14 points.
Australian Head Coach Andrej Lemanis said he was pleased with the way his players found a way to win after the emotionally taxing win over Lithuania less than 24 hours prior.
“It was always going to be really tough for us on the back of last night’s energy-draining game for us.
“Last night was a tough game emotionally for us – we put a lot of effort into that and then we had the short turnaround for what was a big game.
“I was really pleased with the way we played and how the guys were able grind out a win.”
Australian star centre Aron Baynes was again instrumental early, scoring 10 of the team’s opening 12 points inside five minutes of the tip-off.
Enjoying a standout tournament, Baynes was at the heart of everything good for the Boomers, posting a game-high 21 points to go with five rebounds and three blocks in another commanding performance from the San Antonio Spurs big man.
Baynes is leading the Australians in points and rebounds, averaging 17.3 points and seven rebounds per game through the first four fixtures.
It was a typically energetic performance from swingman Brad Newley, posting 10 first-half points, with veteran David Andersen providing a strong all-round presence (six points, seven rebounds and two steals).
As they had against Lithuania and Korea in their two previous games – the Aussies came out firing, with Baynes and Newley propelling the team to a 16-8 advantage before the Mexicans rallied to trail by just three points at quarter time.
The momentum had swung in the Mexicans direction as they went on a 12-3 run after the restart to establish a 31-25 lead. A Baynes dunk from a great Brock Motum feed stemmed the bleeding as the Aussies went on an 8-1 run to close out the half.
Newley ensured the Australians would go into the main break with the lead, converting a fast break lay-up as time expired to give the team a 33-32 advantage.
Not interested in being stuck in a dog fight, the Aussies came out all guns blazing to start the second half – led by Broekhoff and Andersen, with the duo scoring the team’s first 10 points as the lead quickly growing to double figures.
Broekhoff would finish the quarter with 12 points as the Australians found their offensive groove, outscoring Mexico 26-13.
Hopes of the fourth quarter being a formality were quickly distinguished, with the Mexicans cutting the lead from 14 points to six inside three minutes.
Struggling to find buckets, the Aussies looked to their defensive pressure to shut down the Mexican scoring – with the game going without a point for more than three minutes.
The Australians would close the strongest as Baynes would ice the game from the free throw line and improve the team’s record to 3-1 with one group stage fixture remaining.
Next up for Australia at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup is the final Group D clash against Angola TONIGHT with the game televised LIVE on ABC2 at 9:26pm AEST.
Basketball Australia
Aussies shut down Lithuania
3 September 2014
It was a performance for the ages as the Australian men's basketball team produced an inspired four-quarter effort to defeat Lithuania 82-75 at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Gran Canaria, Spain in the early hours of this morning.
In a memorable performance by the Australians, a 19-point half time lead was reduced to three points late in the third quarter, but never surrendered as the underdogs came up big in the final stretch to defeat the 2013 Eurobasket finalists.
Australia were electric from the tip, dropping 30 first-quarter points on their way to big 47-28 lead at the main break before Lithuania doubled their total in the third quarter to cut the margin to just six points.
Against the fast-finishing Europeans, the Australians stood resolute, finding big time contributions from Brad Newley, David Andersen, Nathan Jawai and Matthew Dellavedova down the stretch to hold on for the key victory.
The defensive pressure of the Australians was a highlight throughout the 40 minutes, forcing the Lithuanians into 22 turnovers, including five from their NBA star Jonah Valanciunas.
Australian Head Coach Andre Lemanis said the defensive efforts of his team played a major role in the final result.
“I thought we came out as planned – very aggressive and disruptive defensively,” Lemanis said.
“Our guys did a great job forcing some turnovers and getting a flow for us going early – we forced them into 22 turnovers and that ignited some of our offense.
“We didn’t do that as well in the second half and they showed that if you don’t disrupt them they are very good offensively and they are hard to play against.
“I was pleased with the way we managed (the game). They were always going to make a run and we did a good job of playing out the game, finding a way to win.”
Joe Ingles continued his outstanding start to the tournament, posting a team-high 18 points on 7-of-11 from the field to go with four assists and three steals.
The 26-year-old found plenty of support through the again-dominant Aron Baynes (14 points and six rebounds), Dellavedova (13 points), Newley (10 points and four rebounds) and Andersen (seven points and five rebounds).
Baynes scored 10 of the team’s first 15 points as they established a commanding 17-4 lead inside the first five minutes.
Ingles took up where his compatriot left off, closing the quarter with nine points (4-of-4 FG), with Australia posting a mammoth 30 points to lead the stunned Lithuanians by 10.
The scoring began to dry up for both teams after the break, with Lithuania cutting the lead to single digits before Baynes and Ingles again took control, starting a 14-2 run that would give a 47-28 lead at half time.
Ingles ensured the Australians would go off full of confidence, dropping a massive stepback three-pointer on the buzzer to make it 14 points for the half.
It was frustrating half for the Group D favourites, committing 15 turnovers led by Valanciunas, who had four of his own and zero points – unable to match the unstoppable Baynes.
Third quarter comebacks have become a staple for Lithuania in this tournament and this was no different against, going on a 10-0 run to start the third quarter and cut the deficit to less than 10 points.
Australia rallied thanks to a Dellavedova three and massive three-point play from Andersen, but would again be under attack in a rollercoaster quarter of basketball.
The lead was cut to just three points courtesy of a 14-2 run by the Europeans as they upped the pressure, forcing seven turnovers.
A 7-2 mini revival restored some breathing space heading into the final quarter, where Newley would come to the fore as buckets became increasingly difficult to come by.
The 29-year-old veteran of three FIBA Basketball World Cups was at his aggressive best at both ends of the floor, scoring five of the team’s first seven points of the quarter, while forcing several turnovers through his manic ball pressure.
This momentum would help Australia push the lead to 10 points on a Ryan Broekhoff three-pointer with little over three minutes remaining, but Lithuania still had a final charge in them.
A 9-3 run had them back within four points inside the final minute, but the Australians would hold on for victory and keep their hopes of topping the group alive.
Basketball Australia
Australia bounceback to thrash Korea and open World Cup account
1 September 2014
BASKETBALL: The Australian Men's Basketball Team have recorded their first win of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, crushing Korea 89-55 in Gran Canaria, Spain.
Coming off a tough loss to Slovenia in their opening fixture of the tournament, the Australians bounced back in commanding fashion, starting the game on a 10-0 run that would propel them to a comfortable 34-point victory.
Joe Ingles was the inspiration for the Australians, posting a game-high 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field and a flawless 3-of-3 from beyond the arc in just 18 minutes.
Aron Baynes recovered from calf cramps suffered late in the game against Slovenia to again provide the Boomers with a powerful presence down low, dropping a double-double on 13 points and 10 rebounds.
It was a return to form for star guard Matthew Dellavedova as the playmaker was at his creative best, finishing with a game-high eight assists to go with seven points and four rebounds.
Australian forward Cameron Bairstow highlighted the improved defensive efforts in contesting shots and rebounding as major factors in the convincing win.
“I think we did a really good job on the defensive side of the ball in holding Korea to just 55 points,” Bairstow said.
“We knew coming in that the three-point shot was their main focus, so holding them to 20% (5-of-25 3FG) from three-point range was one of the biggest keys to the game.
“Then on the boards we did a good job of limiting their offensive rebounds and really taking advantage of it on our end.”
After being beaten on the offensive glass against Slovenia, the Australians responded with a ferocious energy, creating 21 second chance shot opportunities – led by the work of big men Baynes (six offensive rebounds) and David Andersen (four) as the team won the rebounding count 47-18.
The Australians made the most the extra shots, converting at an impressive 51% from the field and a red-hot 57% from three-point territory, with Ingles and Ryan Broekhoff combining to go 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.
It was a high energy start with Australia, racing to a 10-0 lead on the back of back-to-back Broekhoff triples.
The three-point threat of the Koreans was on display early, cutting the lead to just one point before a late Ingles-inspired rally had Australia holding a 26-17 advantage.
Offensive dried up for both teams to start the second quarter, with Australia missing their first eight attempts from the field before an Ingles transition dunk inspired a 12-0 run that had the lead beyond 20 points.
Korea rallied late in the shadow of half time, but still had a mountain to climb, trailing 44-29.
The second half tipped off mirroring the opening minutes as the Boomers went on a 15-4 run with Baynes, Ingles and Bairstow rewarding the relentless defensive pressure on the scoreboard.
Head Coach Andrej Lemanis looked to his bench to see out the contest, giving Chris Goulding and Nate Jawai (four points and two assists) their first taste of action in Spain.
The 25-point three-quarter time lead was cut to 19 points early in the last, with Lemanis injecting Exum into the fold, posting three assists to guide the Australians on a 19-4 run to close out the game, with Bairstow (13 points on 6-of-7 FG) and Brock Motum (eight points) finishing strong.
Next up for Australia at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup is a crucial clash with Lithuania in the early hours of Wednesday morning with the game televised LIVE on ABC2 at 1:30am AEST. The remaining pool games for Australia after Lithuania are Mexico and Angola.
Australia 89-55 Korea
1Q: 26-17
2Q: 44-29
3Q: 66-41
4Q: 89-55
Basketball Australia
Australia go down to Slovenia in World Cup opener
Saturday 30 August
A late surge from Australia wasn’t enough to overcome Slovenia, going down 90-80 in their opening game of the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Gran Canaria, Spain.
Trailing by as many as 16 points in the final quarter, Brad Newley led Australia back to within five points inside the closing seconds, scoring eight of his 13 points in the during a 15-4 run.
Slovenia would close the game out from the free throw line to claim a 10-point win, ending hopes of a remarkable come-from-behind win from the Australians.
The star of the Australian European tour, Aron Baynes was at his dominant best, posting a game-high 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting to go with seven rebounds.
Baynes found support in experienced trio David Andersen (14 points and four rebounds), Newley (13 points) and Joe Ingles (12 points and three assists).
Australian Head Coach Andrej Lemanis said he was pleased with the offensive performance of the team, but lamented crucial turnovers during the third quarter charge.
“For us to score 80 points – that puts you a good position to win the game,” Lemanis said.
“We shot pretty well ourselves, we shot at 46% from the three point line and 51% overall, so that’s a pretty good offensive performance.
“In that third quarter when we got it back and were only one (point) down, we got a stop, went down and pulled the trigger on a three early in the shot clock.
“That’s one thing we’ve been focusing on is style of play in those situations and ensuring we have quality possessions.
“Unfortunately we missed that one and then in the next four possessions we had three turnovers, which immediately released any pressure we had been able to build up to that point.”
With little time to reflect on the loss, Lemanis said the team must now look ahead to the game against Korea.
“All along we have spoken about not getting too high or too low depending on the outcome of the games,” Lemanis said.
“For us the most important thing now is to play well tomorrow – that’s all we can concentrate on.”
It was a free-flowing start from both teams as an aggressive Ingles and a sharp-shooting Ryan Broekhoff set the tempo before the Slovenians found their groove.
Inspired by their NBA star Goran Dragic, the Slovenians went on an 11-4 run late in the opening quarter, eventually building a 27-19 advantage.
This lead would grow to as much as 13 points early in the second quarter before Australia rallied to cut the deficit to six points at half time led by Baynes and Newley.
After a quiet first half, Andersen exploded into life following the restart, completing a three-point play as part of a 7-2 Boomers run that cut the lead to just one point.
The cards were falling into place for the Australian, with Dragic resting and the Slovenians in the penalty inside four minutes into the quarter, but they could not make it count as the Europeans showed poise under pressure.
A 15-6 burst had the lead out to double digits, with the Boomers eventually cutting it to 69-60 heading into the final quarter courtesy of the production of Andersen, who had nine points.
The final quarter started with a 7-2 run by the Slovenians, extending the lead beyond 15 points for the first time as the game appeared to be getting further out of reach for the Boomers.
Trailing 81-65, the Australians began to eat away at the lead and thanks to back-to-back turnovers from Slovenia, leading to Newley baskets – the margin was back to just five points inside the final minute.
This would be as close as the Boomers would get as Slovenia iced the game from the free throw line to secure victory in the opening game of the tournament.
Australia 80-90 Slovenia 1Q: 19-27 2Q: 43-49 3Q: 60-69 4Q: 80-90
Basketball Australia
