2016 Olympic Games: Australia back to winning ways

Australia’s excellent 2016 Olympic Games form continued on Friday as day seven of the men’s Basketball tournament tipped off. The day is reserved for Group A action, and the Aussies kicked off the proceedings by getting back to winning ways.

A commanding 68-93 win over China showed that Australia is a contender for the medals during this tournament. The win pushed the team to 3-1 in Group A, best of the rest behind the United States. Of course, it was the US that downed Australia on day five with a 98-88 victory. However, the Australians run the favorites close and will be relishing another attempt later in the competition.

In victory, the Australian team also put a foot in the next round, although the team has not mathematically progressed just yet. China, on the other hand, is already eliminated and has yet to pick up a win during this week.

China vs. Australia, 68-93

The contest started slow, with both teams feeling the floor and staying shy of the bucket. Australia just edged a nervy opening for a 14-17 lead through ten minutes. The Boomers soon gathered the momentum and drained 27 points through a defining second quarter. Heading into the long break, the Aussies were leading 34-44 and had a double-digit advantage to protect. Now in control, Australia extended through the third act and was ahead by an unassailable 15 points after thirty minutes on the hardwood. The fourth quarter proved to be a formality as the Boomers wrapped an easy Olympic win.

A well-rounded Australia attack saw five players’ net double digits. Cameron Bairstow scored 17 points, Brock Motum added 15 points, while Aron Baynes grabbed 12 points , David Andersen 12 points, and Ryan Broekhoff also took 12 points.

Yi Jianlian stood out for China once more as he posted a game high 20 points, followed by Guo Ailun with 11 points.