The Boomers have sent out a warning shot to the world after beating Argentina 84-83 in a warm-up game that had all of the passion and intensity of a medal match.
The first quarter was ugly for Boomers fans with Australia facing an uphill battle after an on point Argentinan team were quickly able to open a 16 point lead against the Aussies.
The Boomers struggled to find anyone capable of putting the ball the basketball as the scoreboard flashed 28-12 at the end of the first period.
The Boomers appeared sluggish as the clock worked against them, the 16 point gap was maintained behind great performances from longtime Argentinan stars Luis Scola (27 points) and Manu Ginobilli (22 points) who scoring as they wished and had the scoreboard showing 32-16 during the second quarter.
Behind an amazing second half defensive, headed by Australian guards Patty Mills (13 points) and Matthew Dellavedoa (7 points) the Boomers were able to regain control of the game and cause a stunningly cause the upset.
Although they were capably led by their NBA stars Dellavedova (who led the team with 7 assists), Mills and Aron Baynes, it was their NBL contingent which delivered the goods.
The Boomers held Argentina below 20 points each quarter after and their 72-55 run was led by former Adelaide 36ers star Brock Motum (14 points) and Melbourne United’s newly signed big man David Andersen (16 points) who finished strongly from the field shooting 63% for the game, including 2-4 from downtown. Motum and Andersen also led the team in rebounding with 8 a piece,
Melbourne United’s Chris Goulding was also instrumental off the bench for Australia, finishing with 10 points, two of them much needed triples.
It was a great sign for the Boomers to be able to grind out a victory from a close finish against a European team, experienced like the Argentian squad.
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Australia was without Joe Ingles and Andrew Bogut for the match-up.
Australia will face Brazil on Friday.
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.
