Emus open tournament with victory over New Caledonia | FIBA Oceania U19 Championships
The Australian U19 Emus have opened up their FIBA Oceania U19 Championship campaign with an impressive 112-38 victory over New Caledonia.
Photo courtesy of Basketball Fiji
Tanner Krebs led the way with a game-high 22 points off the bench while fellow Tasmanian, and fellow St Mary's signee, Kyle Clark added a very efficient 17 points of his own.
Australia came out of the gates quickly, feeding the ball inside early - Harry Froling taking advantage with 7 of Australia's first 10 points of the game. The Townsville big-man would finish the 1st quarter with 8 points as Australia had a 31-9 lead.
The Emus had a hot streak in the 2nd quarter, led by Kyle Clark who managed to knock down a trio of 3-pointers. Clark had a game-high 13 points heading into the main break. Harry Froling and Dejan Vasiljevic also had 13 points apiece heading into the 3rd quarter.
The defensive intensity of the Emus continued throughout the game, holding New Caledonia to just 28% shooting from the field and forcing a staggering 38 turnovers.
The Emus would ultimately be victorious, making a statement in their tournament-opener with a 112-38 win.
George Blagojevic, one of the elder statesmen of the squad, finished with a very efficient 17 pts, 4 rbs & 3 asts while fellow CoE athlete and team captain Tom Wilson struggled offensively, finishing with 9 points of his own.
George Blagojevic with 2 of his 17 points | Photo courtesy of Basketball Fiji
Jordan Hunter was a late addition to the squad, joining the team due to several injuries. The big-man out of North Sydney had 2 pts & 4 rbs while also fouling out in his Australian debut.
Unfortunately only the games on Vodafone Arena Court 1 will be live-streamed so there is no video available for this fixture.
Note: The squad wore the number 408 on their arms in memory of Phillip Hughes, the Australian cricketer who sadly passed away last week. The number 408 was Hughes's Test number, meaning he was the 408th man to be given the honour of pulling on the Baggy Green cap. A great initiative by the squad.
The Emus will face Samoa at 4pm (AEST) during Tuesday's action.