Riding on momentum from its great debut against France yesterday, Gilas Pilipinas was hoping to play even better and maybe upset FIBA Oceania powerhouse Australia, but the Boomers had other plans. Leaning on his roster loaded with talents who play their trade in the NBA and Europe, coach Andrej Lemanis unloaded a shooting onslaught in the second half to turn a tight contest into a rout.
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| Andray Blatche and the rest of the Pinoys bowed to a hot-shooting Aussie quintet. (image from Sportal Australia) |
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| Euro-based Brad Newley gets an easy look close to the basket. (image from Sportal Australia) |
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| Aussie big man Nate Jawai rises for the uncontested flush (image from Basketball Australia). |
Here’s a recap from Basketball Australia:
“The Airbnb Australian Boomers have made it two wins in as many days, outclassing the Philippines 97-75 in Nice, France overnight.
It was a commanding performance from the Australian team, outscoring their Asian opponents, 50-33, after halftime to claim a 22-point victory and head into tomorrow morning’s match-up with France full of confidence.
The Australians spread the love on the offensive end, with five players posting double-digit scoring – led by Aron Baynes (15 points and four assits), Ryan Broekhoff (14 points on 4-of-7 3FG), Matthew Dellavedova (13 points), Brad Newley (13 points and four rebounds) and Nathan Jawai (10 points and four rebounds).
Young gun Dante Exum had his best all-round performance in the green and gold, posting an impressive stat-line of 8 points, 5 rebounds, and a game-high 6 assists in 21 minutes.
His Utah Jazz NBA Summer League teammate Brock Motum continued his strong European tour, posting 7 points and a game-high 12 rebounds as the Airbnb Boomers dominated the glass, 40-30.
Airbnb Boomers Assistant Coach Luc Longley said it was pleasing to see the team perform against a potentially tricky opponent.
“We were nervous going into this game,” Longley said.
“They were a Korea, Angola-style game where they just run around and jack up threes, very hard to scout and very hard to prepare for, so it was a game where we needed to be disciplined defensively and only taking good looks was important, which I thought the guys did a really good job of doing.”
“We’re really happy with the way the guys are coming together. Roles are clarifying. Players like Ryan Broekhoff are starting to find their niche and find their shots. There’s a couple of guys that still need to do that, but we’re happy with the process.”
Resting starters Dave Andersen and Joe Ingles for the clash, the Airbnb Boomers looked to veteran Brad Newley to set the temp early – and the 29-year-old responded, getting to the basket to post seven points in a 20-17 quarter-time lead.
Exum began to exert his playmaking influence on the game during the second quarter as Broekhoff picked up where he left off, finding his range from beyond the arc as the Australians posted a late 8-0 run to lead, 47-42.
Having played largely a facilitating role – it was time for Dellavedova to show his shooting prowess, scoring 11 of his 13 points in the second half as the Airbnb Boomers found a variety of avenues to the basket.
The 24-12 final quarter ensured the 10-point three-quarter time lead would push beyond 20 at the final buzzer and continue the Airbnb Boomers’ undefeated Nice tournament.”
Note:
- Marcus Douthit and Jay Washington did not see action for Gilas in this game.
- Australia has already named its final twelve for #Spain2014. They are the following:
David Andersen – Strasbourg (France) - 6’11 - 34 y.o
Cameron Bairstow – Chicago Bulls (NBA) - 6’9 - 23 y.o.
Aron Baynes – San Antonio Spurs (NBA) - 6’10 - 27 y.o.
Ryan Broekhoff – Besiktas (Turkey) - 6’7 - 24 y.o.
Matthew Dellavedova – Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) - 6’4 - 23 y.o.
Dante Exum – Utah Jazz (NBA) - 6’5 - 19 y.o.
Adam Gibson – Adelaide 36ers (NBL) - 6’2 - 27 y.o.
Chris Goulding – CAI Zaragoza (Spain) - 6’4 - 25 y.o.
Joe Ingles – Maccabi Tel-Aviv (Israel) - 6’8 - 26 y.o.
Nathan Jawai – Galatasaray (Turkey) - 6’10 - 27 y.o.
Brock Motum – Bologna (Italy) - 6’9 - 23 y.o.
Brad Newley – Gran Canaria (Spain) - 6’6 - 29 y.o.
- Notable exclusions from the Boomers’ roster are the injured Patty Mills (San Antonio Spurs), 17-year old phenom Ben Simmons (Montverde Academy), Angus Brandt (Sydney Kings), Damian Martin (Perth Wildcats), Lucas Walker (Melbourne United), and Mark Worthington (Melbourne United). Adam Gibson is the only one in the final twelve who still plays pro ball in Australia’s top-level pro league, the NBL.
- In the day's other game, Ukraine defeated France, 63-56, thanks to naturalized player Pooh Jeter, who dropped 23 points on the hosts.
Watch the entire game below:
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