The Emus Australian Under 19 Men’s Team have recorded their first win on the tour by defeating USC Heidelberg (2) 86-69 in their second preparation game for the Albert Schweitzer Tournament. The game was played in Mannheim in the Bertha Benz Halle.

Dane Pineau was the leading scorer for the Emus with 20 points followed by Jack Lopez and Joshua Oswald – both with 17 points.

The Emus got out to an early lead in the first quarter through their positive execution in offence. However, lapses at the defensive end allowed the Heidelberg team to get back into the game with the margin only four points at the first break, Australia leading 16-12.

Greater attention to detail in both offence and defence allowed the Emus to push ahead on the scoreboard in the second quarter as the Emus took a 13-point lead in to the halftime break.

The third quarter was a carbon copy of the second with the Emus defence stifling Heidelberg. However, numerous fouls committed by the Aussies allowed Heidelberg to stay in touch with their opponents leading into the final break.

A disappointing start to the fourth period with a lack of defensive pressure and ball containment by the Emus enabled Heidelberg to get back into the game. The difference was back to 12 points with a couple of minutes to play. A quick time out and back to back threes by Oswald and Naar however and a jump shot by Spear gave the Emus an 8–0 run which then put an end to any chance Heidelberg had of closing the gap. The Emus finished the game with an 86–69 win.

“Even though we won, I was a little disappointed with our execution both offensively and defensively,” said Head Coach Damian Cotter after the game. “We need to see continual improvement in our final preparation game before our first game in the AST.”

The Emus final preparation game will be against Saarlouis Royals.

Final Score: Australia 86 defeated USC Heidelberg (2) 69

1st Quarter: 16 - 12

2nd Quarter: 49 – 33 (33 -21)

3rd Quarter: 68 – 50 (19- 17)

4th Quarter: 86 – 69 (18 - 19)