BASKETBALL:  Australian men’s basketball coach Brett Brown says he is convinced his team won’t get distracted by thoughts of the equation that looms as they prepare for their crucial third game of the preliminary rounds.

After losing their first two games, against Brazil and France, the Boomers find themselves in a situation where they have to win each of their remaining three games to guarantee a place in the quarter-finals.

But, since four teams qualify from each of the two six-team groups, it is possible to get through with two wins. Australia next play China at the Basketball Arena on Day 6.

Asked about the equation, and whether he was concerned the players might be worrying about how many wins they need to advance rather than concentrating on one game at a time, Brown replied: “I just want to go and beat China, and I know that sounds really basic, but that’s the truth.

And our players won’t start thinking about that (the equation).

“They’re good guys, they’re smart in regards to tournament play. We’ve been doing this for a while. These guys have been to Olympic Games before, to world championships, and they understand that all that matters is just the next game. I know that’s not very sexy, but it’s the truth.”

Australia have put a lot of heart into their defence in the first two games, but their shooting has been off the mark and that has hurt them. Brown accepts that they need to start consistently making shots if they want to start winning.

Greg Prichard in London

Olympics.com.au