Boomers fall to Lithuania, China next
Lithuania led from start to finish to win 81-68 against an Australian Boomers team that has now lost two straight games after impressing in a come-from-behind win against Argentina.
As was the case against their last start loss to the Brazilians, the Boomers struggled to score against their European opponent who has compiled an impressive 8-1 slate ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Australia's inability to regularly score in the paint was exacerbated by their tough shooting tight from beyond the arc. The Boomers managed just 4/19 from three-point range (21%) compared to Lithuania's 50% (7/14 3PT), while scoring being outscored 34-42 in the paint.
https://twitter.com/PickandRollAU/status/759410231843487745
A positive to take from the game was the performance of Joe Ingles who joined the team late on tour following the birth of his twins. Ingles came off the bench to provide a team-high 16 points (3/7 FG, 10/11 FT) with 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Aron Baynes played a lone hand in the paint in adding 14 points and 7 rebounds as Brock Motum went scoreless. Patty Mills chipped in 11 points, yet his shooting stroke continues to elude him as he landed just 1/7 from long-range and 5/13 from the field overall.
https://twitter.com/PickandRollAU/status/759421442882621440
Lithuania's star NBA big man Jonas Valanciunas was the catalyst for his country's dominance in the paint. Valanciunas was able to deliver a game-high 19 points (7/13 FG) with 8 rebounds. He received great support from guard Mantas Kalnietis who added 16 points and 7 assists, while Renaldas Seibutis provided 12 points in their win.
Australia next take on China who were comprehensively dismantled by Brazil 52-91. China will be the Boomers last opponent ahead of the Rio Olympic games competition opening on 6 August where they will face the red-hot France.
Head coach Andrej Lemanis and his side have a lot of work to do before that game, but will be looking forward to welcoming back Andrew Bogut into the side. Whether Bogut alone can help get the Boomers medal aspirations back on track after more than a month on the sidelines is yet to be seen.
Boomers South American Schedule
Australia defeated Argentina 84-83 | Recap and Box Score
Australia lost to Brazil 67-96 | Recap and Box Score
Australia vs China | 1 August, 1:00am AEST