Dejan Vasiljevic powers Emerging Boomers to Universiade bronze
Australia have dismantled Israel 86-69 to secure bronze at the 2019 World University Games in Napoli, Italy.
https://twitter.com/joetertzakian/status/1149383803447779330
The Emerging Boomers were powered by an explosive 33 points from Miami guard Dejan Vasiljevic whose performance included shooting 6 of 10 from the three-point line alongside 5 rebounds. Jack White was the only other Australian to score in double figures, adding 11 points and 9 rebounds in another consistent outing for the Duke forward.
After losing to Israel in their tournament opener by 28 points, the Emerging Boomers were intent on making amends, quickly opening up a 12-0 lead to start the game. A commanding 24-9 opening term was capped by an Isaac White (Stanford) score on the buzzer, with the UniRoos boasting all the momentum.
While Israel managed to get their scoring going in the second period, the UniRoos were off and running with everyone making a valuable contribution on court as they amassed a 22 point half time lead.
Israel would mount a third term challenge, narrowing the margin to 14 points at the final change. However they would not get any closer, as the Emerging Boomers closed on the bronze medal game with a 24-7 final term to ensure they would stand on the medal podium.
While Vasiljevic and Jack White combined for 44 points, ten Australians hit the scoreboard. Newly signed Adelaide 36ers sharpshooter Alex Mudronja added 8 points while Will Magnay chimed in with 7 points and 7 rebounds [Box Score].
https://twitter.com/AUSUniroos/status/1149424128442527744
The bronze medal was just Australia's second ever medal at the event for the men, following a silver medal earned in 2013. They join the Emerging Opals as medallists, with the Aussie women claiming a second consecutive gold medal and seventh medal in the past eight games.
Emerging Opals and Emerging Boomers Results
July 3: Emerging Opals def. Finland 68-51
July 5: Emerging Opals def. Canada 85-51
July 5: Emerging Boomers def. by Israel 64-92
July 5: Emerging Opals def. China 90-84
July 5: Emerging Boomers def. Mexico 105-62
July 7: Emerging Boomers def. Czech Republic 88-59
July 8: Quarter-Final- Emerging Opals def. Chinese Taipei 81-72
July 9: Quarter-Final- Emerging Boomers def. Argentina 73-64
July 9: Semi-Final- Emerging Opals def. by Portugal 56-49
July 10: Semi-Final- Emerging Boomers def. by Ukraine 80-82
July 11: Gold Medal Game- Emerging Opals def. USA 80-72
July 12: Bronze Medal Game- Emerging Boomers def. Israel 86-69