Emus clinch dominant win against Latvia
The Emus struggled initially against Latvia, but focused and played solid basketball, moving the ball and using their size well on both ends.
Both teams shot poorly from the perimeter (Australia 4 of 19, 21%). Despite that, the Aussie boys steadily pulled the game apart. They rebounded well, created multiple turnovers for Latvia and limited their opponent's scoring with lockdown defence, leading at 22 by half-time. Australia won the game 81-52.
https://twitter.com/BasketballAus/status/1145328509511856129
Kyle Bowen had an impressive game tonight against Latvia, leading the team with 15 points on an efficient 5 of 8 performance, and recording a double-double with 10 rebounds.
This game saw big contributions from the Australian bench: Callum Dalton (8), Sam Froling (8), Keli Leaupepe (7), Tyler Robertson (8), Wani Lo Buluk (9).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8Ddh47emEM&list=PLCXERy73Oiz-gjtQt7hGXVi0oX81qx5IE&index=11&t=0s
Latvia's Arturs Kurucs had 16 points on 5 of 17 attempts; no other Latvian player had more than 7 points.
Full box score can be found on FIBA’s website.
Emus vs Latvia FIBA U19 World Cup group stage replay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVk3_LGPcfY
Australia’s Emus play Mali on 3 July 2019, at 1:15am AEST.
Australian Emus game schedule for 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup (AEST)
June 29: Emus vs. Canada at 10.30pm (lost)
June 30: Emus vs. Latvia at 11.00pm (won)
July 3: Emus vs. Mali at 1.15am
July 4: Round of 16
July 6: Quarter-finals
July 7: Semi-finals
July 8: Medal games