2019-09-07T11:52:28+00:00

2019-09-07T11:52:28+00:00

2019-09-07T12:30:46+00:00.

By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net

Australia defeated the Dominican Republic, 82-76, in 2019 FIBA World Cup Group L action at Nanjing on Saturday.

Patty Mills commanded the charge once again putting up a game-high 19 points, also dished 9 assists. Chris Goulding followed with 15 points. Eloy Vargas went for 16 points, Victor Liz scored 14 and Rigoberto Mendoza had 12 for the losing side.

“We were not mentally there in the first half” admitted Landale after contributing to the win with 13 points. “The boys really rallied together. Everybody knows it was just an OK performance. I think we will be ready when the time comes.”

The Boomers upped their W-L record to 4-0. They hope for France to defeat Lithuania later today to seal their quarterfinals berth. Otherwise they will have a big game against the French on Monday.

Australia did not have it easy against the Dominican Republic that was in shooting distance from the lead midway through the third quarter. Ronald Ramon’s early exit due to injury did not help Nestor Garcia’s national team.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game” mentioned head coach Andrej Lemanis in the post-game press conference. “The Dominican Republic plays an aggressive style of basketball, they come after you. They were playing for their World Cup survival.”

Despite remaining in touch most of the 40 minutes, the losing side of the affair only made 3/14 three-pointers, two of them in the end of each half. Defense forced opposition to 16 turnovers and challenged shots, but hitting more long shots proved necessary for the “W”.

“They can shoot and move the ball. I am proud of my players that performed great against this big team” pointed out head coach Garcia. “We missed free throws and did not make threes, but we had a shot for the win.”

The last minutes did not offer any excitement on terms of the prevailing team. “We played very good for 35 minutes, we would have a chance if we lasted the full 40 minutes” added Vargas, the Dominican Republic’s top scorer.

Ultimately, the Dominican Republic fell to 2-2. Their hope is that the Lithuanians prevail in the upcoming European battle to have a chance to advance with a victory versus Lithuania on Monday.

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Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL

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