Aussies blitz World Uni Games opener

Aussies blitz World Uni Games opener

The Emerging Boomers have carried their Stankovic Cup form into the World University Games, demolishing the Czech Republic 85-57 in their opening game on Sunday.

As with their 5-0 whitewash of the Stankovic Cup, the Aussies’ combination of strong inside play and deadly shooting from the wings proved too much for their opponents.

Young NBL small forwards Todd Blanchfield and Clint Steindl put on a show, both scoring 15 points and nailing a combined 8-of-14 from three-point territory.

On the inside, Cam Bairstow (11 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists), Cody Ellis (14 points, 6 rebounds) and Mitch Young (12 points) helped their team to a 34-20 advantage on two-point baskets and a 46-41 edge on the boards.

Early on it was the Bairstow and Ryan Broekhoff show, the pair scoring the Emerging Boomers’ first 10 points before a late five-point burst from Blanchfield set up a 21-11 quarter-time lead.

The Czechs hung tough though, cranking up the defence and holding the Aussies to just four points in almost eight minutes to open the second term.

But after scores were tied at 25 Blanchfield stood tall again, nailing eight points in the last 130 seconds of the half to give his team a 36-32 edge.

The Europeans opened the second half with a three-pointer, but Bairstow responded with consecutive buckets and then Clint Steindl simply took over, nailing four triples in under three minutes as Australia blew the game open with a 35-11 quarter.

From there the Aussies cruised to victory, Ellis adding a further seven points to his total in the final term to secure the 28-point margin.

The Emerging Boomers next take on Sweden at 6:30pm AEST on Monday.