Slovenia knock out Aussies

Australia’s world basketball championships campaign came to a bone-shuddering end yesterday when they were crushed 87-58 by Slovenia in the last 16.

Australia were slow out of the blocks, failing to score a point in the opening six-and-a half minutes of the game as Slovenia raced to a 9-0 lead.

Although they would manage eight points before the end of the quarter, they still faced a big task to get back into the game finding themselves down 16-8.

With half-time approaching, the physicality of the Slovenians was beginning to frustrate the Australians who were shooting at just 22 per cent from the floor for the first half, failing to land any of their three-point attempts.

The half-time buzzer could not come soon enough for Australia with Slovenia ahead 42-21.

Portland Trailblazers’ Patrick Mills along with Matthew Nielsen were the best of the Australians, each claiming six first-half points.

Nielsen was also leading all rebounding efforts with five while Jako Lakovic led Slovenia with 11 points.

Following the break, Australia’s shots finally began to fall but unfortunately for them, the baskets continued to drop for the Slovenians, offering the Australians little hope of forcing their way back into the game.

With a quarter left to play Slovenia’s lead extended to 71-45.

Australia were unable to pick up the intensity in the final quarter as they fell even further behind on the scoreboard and were thoroughly beaten.

Mills continued to be the main scoring contributor to Australia’s tally along with Joseph Ingles who both finished with 13 points. Nielsen scored 12.

Lakovic ended the game as leading scorer with 19 points while Milwaukee Bucks’ Primoz Brezec also chipped in with 12 points.