AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - Dynamic first quarter scoring and stingy early defence have again proven the difference for Australia, effectively saving the Emus from their first defeat of the tournament against a rampant Argentina.

Argentina could only manage 4 points in the first 9 minutes of the game. A late burst would close the score to 9-25 at quarter time, but a Ryan Broekhoff three pointer would cap a 9-1 Australia run to start the second quarter.

With the score 34-10, and Australia shooting a remarkable 15/17 from the field to that point, it seemed there was little the stunned American champions could do.

But behind the pure shooting of Matias Nocedal and stronger inside play Argentina surged back to within 35-45 with seconds to play in the half. Only a Matthew Dellavedova buzzer beater from long range restored some breathing space for the Australians.

Argentina would not throw in the towel, however, dominating the third quarter behind the shooting of Luciano Gonzalez, whose three pointer with 5:50 remaining in the third closed the margin to 59-65.

The margin would also be 6 points at three quarter time, but Argentina would get no closer as Australia held off numerous challenges thanks to some big plays from forward Cody Ellis (16 points, 5/9 fg, 8 rebounds).

Gonzalez (14 points, 4/7 fg) was the only player in double figures for Argentina, whose offensive struggles in the first 14 minutes cost them victory.

Australia was led by Ellis, Jason Cadee and Brock Motum (all 16 points) but would be most concerned by their second half fade-out. They will need to play four quarters to defeat Croatia on Wednesday night at the North Shore Events Centre and take top spot in Group F.

Argentina play Canada at 1:30pm and must win to ensure a berth in the quarter finals.


Jason Cadee, Australia :

“Before we came out we knew they were going to come out and be really physical with us, so we just had to come out and match that. We came out and shot the ball well, ran, got them in foul trouble.

We just came out ready to play really.

They got on a run and I think we hesitated a little bit. We knew they were going to make the run, we expected it to come, I think at stages we just got a bit hesitant. But we stayed in front, and we kept it at 13 at half time which helped us win the game.”

FIBA