Boomers looking to roll through Japan in Adelaide
Australia dominated Chinese Taipei and will now look to continue their hot form on Monday night in Adelaide when they host Japan.
This is the second and last game of this FIBA World Cup qualification window.
Form, form, form
To say the Boomers destroyed Taipei on Friday may be an understatement. They won every quarter and took home an incredible 38-point victory.
Minutes were shared around by Andrej Lemanis, with no player featured for less than 13 minutes, and no one was on the court for longer than 23. Jason Cadee led the Aussie with 16 points while Daniel Kickert chipped in with 15 of his own.
Perhaps what symbolised the match the best was Mitch Creek's thunderous poster dunk on Kai-Yan Lee.
https://twitter.com/FIBAWC/status/934038076015263744
Japan isn't coming off the form that Australia is, losing to the Philippines by six points. They got off to a slow start and couldn't recover from there. Makoto Hiejima was the best of the Japanese, recording 20 points, five assists, and five rebounds.
Kings of Asia
Australia knocked off Japan on their way to being crowned the kings' of Asia earlier this year. The Boomers actually lost the first and fourth quarters, however they dominated in the middle part of the game and claimed an 84-68 win.
The Aussies proved too big and strong, with Matt Hodgson recording a double-double (11 points & 12 rebounds), and the inside-outside game freeing up shooters from deep. One damning stat for Japan was the rebound count, which they lost 20-47.
https://youtu.be/5FgAOMtPOaM
The Wildcard
Ira Brown was born and raised in the USA but plays international basketball for Japan. Against the Philippines, he had 10 points and 15 rebounds, while when he played Australia back in August he recorded 11 points in just 16 minutes.
He presents another challenge for Australia, and is a player who can score quickly and in bunches. Definitely worth keeping an eye on.
The Verdict
Australia looked fantastic against Chinese Taipei and completely outplayed them. Expect the Boomers to do the same to Japan in this one.
Angus Brandt is being replaced in the side by Perth's red-hot Lucas Walker. Brandt is currently suffering from an illness, with Walker coming in as part of an expanded 24-man Boomers squad.
The Japanese did push the Aussies at times of their Asia Cup game, however, Andrej Lemanis will be making sure his players are ready and raring to go in front of their home fans.
Game details: Monday, 27 November 2017 @ Adelaide. Tip-off at 7:00pm local time. Watch live on Fox Sports Australia.
Highlights of Australia's win against Chinese Taipei
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh41Y4F3GZ0