Emerging Boomers crush Mozambique
Australia crushed Mozambique 87-58 in their final preliminary contest at the 2017 World University Games, and will now await final preliminary games to determine if they progress to the quarterfinals or play off for positions 9-12.
The Emerging Boomers took the lead at the 8:49 mark of the first period and from there were never threatened as all ten of the players utilised by Mark Radford shared the minutes, all scoring 4 points or more.
Nebraska's Jack McVeigh was the star of the game, pouring in a game-high 20 points with 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Miami sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic rebounded strongly from a cold shooting game in their last start, draining 4-of-8 three-pointers in registering 16 points.
https://twitter.com/AUSUniroos/status/900925110722285568
Mozambique scored the first basket of the game, but Australia immediately responded with 4 straight points to McVeigh. Vasiljevic then book-ended a Mozambique put-back with a couple of long-range bombs to put the Emerging Boomers in complete control. A third triple for the quarter to Vasiljevic saw the Uniroos push the lead out to 10, with his country heading into the first break up 18-10.
Kyle Adnam was active in the second term, contributing 4 points in the opening minutes. Xavier Cooks rejected a shot attempt, and along with Craig Moller, asserted their dominance in the paint. Rhys Vague and Emmett Naar pushed the lead out to 15 points before Mozambique mounted a mini-challenge. Faduco finished the half with a flurry, to close keep Mozambique within reach at 24-37.
Looking to put the game beyond doubt, Australia put their foot to the floor in the third going on an 11-0 run capped by 5 straight Vasiljevic points. McVeigh then took over, going on a scoring spree while setting up his team-mates, as the Emerging Boomers outscored Mozambique 29-16 to create a 26 point margin at the last change.
With the game all but over, Australia cruised through the last period. Adnam was everywhere, scoring, stealing and dishing, as his side prevailed 67-58.
Australia forced Mozambique into 23 turnovers on 15 steals, while making a living at the line with 17-of-22 made compared to their opponents' 6-of-6. they shot a respectable 45% from the field and held Mozambique to 36%.
While McVeigh and Vasiljevic starred, they received great support from Adnam who added 13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.
The Australian's are now awaiting final preliminary results to determine if they will qualify for the quarterfinals or be relegated to the playoffs for positions 9-12.
Australia 87: McVeigh 20, Vasiljevic 16, Adnam 13 Mozambique 58: Faduco 16, Mula 14
Emerging Boomers Schedule (all times AEST)
Pool D August 20: Australia lost to Ukraine 76-80 August 21: Australia defeated Lithuania 84-82 August 23: Australia lost to Israel 72-89 August 24: Australia defeated Russia 89-71 August 25: Australia defeated Mozambique 87-58 August 27: Quarterfinals August 28: Semifinals August 29: Grand Final