Late run gives Australia Olympic bronze over Slovenia

Australia made history in the bronze medal game as it defeated Slovenia 93-107 to finally claim its first-ever medal. Patty Mills was unstoppable with 42 points and 9 assists, and Joe Ingles added 16 points for Australia, which finished fourth four times in the history of the Olympic Games (1988, 1996, 2000, and 2016).

Australia also got 16 points from Jock Landale and took over the game with a 6-19 run in the fourth quarter. Slovenia failed in its attempt to reach the podium in its first Olympic appearance. Luka Doncic had 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Klemen Prepelic tallied 18 points.

The game was tight throughout the first half, with Australia leading 19-20 after 10 minutes and 45-53 at the break, with Mills having already scored 26 points. Australia increased the lead to double figures and extended the margin to 12 points – 52-64 – and the score was 67-78 after three quarters. The score was 67-81 early in the final frame before Slovenia raced back into the game with a 13-2 surge to make it 80-83 with 6 minutes to play. Then it was Dante Exum and Mills time as the duo combined for 13 points in the deciding run.