Australia’s medal hopes are in severe doubt after falling to Lithuania 63-76 in their second-to-last warm up game before the Rio Olympics, their second loss in a row on their South American tour.
The Boomers started slow out the gate, trailing 16-8 early in the first period, and were never able to get any closer than 8 points away from the Lithuanians at any point during the match.
Australia looked lethargic when trying to contain the taller, more athletic Lithuanian guards, who had no trouble finding open shots against the disjointed and generally disinterested-looking Boomers defense.
The Boomers had some success during the fourth quarter with feeding Aron Baynes in the low post, but poor shooting percentages meant that the Australians were unable to capitalize too much on the silver linings of their offense.
Joe Ingles hit a circus lay up in the final period that provided one of the Boomers’ few highlights, and he was solid overall in his first game back from the birth of his twins. However, that shot would prove to be one of the few positives to salvage from this game for a team that looks unbalanced and under-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
Australia will play the loser between Brazil and China in their final warm up game at 1 am AEST Monday morning.
A breakout game against likely opponent China could help the Boomers find their synergy and identity just in time for the Olympics.
Jarrad Hurley's professional basketball aspirations led him to the dizzying heights of the Adelaide social league circuit. After an epiphany that his hoop dreams would go unrealised, he put the ball down and picked up a pen. Jarrad lives vicariously through the successes of Australian basketball, is a mad 36ers fanatic, and might just cry if the Boomers ever medal.
