The Australian under-19 men’s basketball team remains undefeated after three games at the 2007 FIBA World Championship in Novi Sad, Serbia after defeating Canada 81-70.
After previous victories over Turkey and Nigeria, Australia now heads into the cross over round as the top seed from Group C, where they will face Spain, Argentina and Korea.
Sydney’s Andrew Ogilvy continued his stellar run at the tournament, leading Australia with 26 points on a perfect 11-from-11 shooting to go along with a mammoth 18 rebounds. He has been the Emus’ top scorer in their three games to date.
He received gallant support from Canberra’s Pat Mills, who scored 11 points with 3 assists, South Australia’s Shannon Seebohm, who scored 10 points with 4 rebounds, and Victoria’s Ben Louis, who posted 10 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists.
Devoe Joseph top scored for Canada with a game high 31 points.
“It was very satisfying to get the win and we’re in a good position going forward,” Emus Assistant Coach Tim Mallon said.
“Ogilvy was outstanding. He was an irresistible, dominant force in the paint and full credit should go to the players around him who were able to utilise his skills and talent.
“Our other big man Daniel Johnson didn’t miss a shot either, I think we were 14-from14, so it was a great performance from our interior players.
“That sort of output from our bigs was a major factor in the result.”
Coaches, players and high definition action images can be made available to the media upon request.
After a rest day, the Emus will play their next game on Monday night AEST at a time to be determined.
Game details:
South Dragons recruit Shannon Seebohm scored the first four points of the game for Australia, followed by an Andrew Ogilvy jump shot and two dunks from New South Welshman Ben Dowdell that put the Emus up 10-5. But the Canadians were not intimidated and after one quarter Australia led 28-22.
The advantage ballooned to thirteen points in the second quarter but back-to-back 3-point shots from Devoe Joseph kept Canada in the game and at the main break the Emus led by ten, 37-27.
Ogilvy and Canberra’s Pat Mills controlled the game in the third quarter and when Sydney’s Nate Tomlinson hit a 3-point shot in the final minute the Australians looked unbeatable. With one quarter to play they were up by fifteen, 64-59.
Joseph kept the scorers busy in the final term, but the Australians would not be denied victory and behind solid team play they ran out winners by eleven points.
AUSTRALIA 81 – Ogilvy 26, Mills 11, Seebohm 10, Louis 10
CANADA 70 – Joseph 31, House 12, Bakovic 8
