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Bogut, Baynes slam dunk France

 

Bogut, Baynes slam dunk France

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Bogut, Baynes slam dunk France
The Australian men’s basketball team has recorded its first win in an opening pool match at the Olympics since 1996.

BASKETBALL: The Australian men’s basketball team defeated France 87-66 at Carioca Stadium to record its first win in an opening pool match at the Olympics since 1996.

Patty Mills (21 points), Andrew Bogut (18 points) and Aron Baynes (14 points) led the scoring for the Australians, while Baynes dominated the boards with a game-high eight rebounds, including six at the offensive end.

It was a dominant performance by the Australians who, despite a brief French rally late in the first half, were always in control of the match.

The victory is the Australian team’s first in its opening game at the Olympics since beating South Korea 111-88 at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

That tournament marked one of the three occasions the Australian team has achieved its best result at an Olympics – fourth – and the 21-point victory over a talented French team that included NBA star Tony Parker was certainly a statement of the ambition this team holds to win a historic first men’s Olympic basketball medal.

Parker finished as the top scorer for France with 18 points.

The Australians set the stage for their win early, controlling most of the first half behind strong inside scoring from Bogut and Baynes.

At one stage they extended their lead to 15 points midway through the second quarter as the Aussies exploited their strength in the paint to lead 32-17 after a 12-1 run, before the French team responded.  

France then went on its own run, outscoring Australia 15-4 to close out the half, with the Australians holding on to lead 36-33 at the main break.

Whatever adjustments coach Andrej Lemanis made at half-time, they certainly made an impression as the Australians came out firing to take control of the match.  

The Aussies dominated the third period, breaking France’s resolve to lead 61-48 before extending their lead in the final period.

On his performance in the game coming off a knee injury, Bogut was candid.

"I didn't know I'd have that kind of an impact in the first game. It helps the brain and body back up for the next one," Bogut said.

The knee injury didn't stop Bogut from showing his athleticism with five dunks.

"The last dunk, I thought I'd get up a bit higher," he laughs.

 Kevin Diggerson

olympics.com.au

 

 

 

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