Emus open first game in tight loss to Canada

Close, but not quite. The Emus fell in their opening game for the FIBA Under-19 World Cup against defending champions Canada, 76-81.

Canada shot a torrid 52% from the three-point line on 13 of 25 attempts, and despite 14 turnovers, managed to stay ahead.

https://gfycat.com/milkyspitefulhoatzin

The Emus managed to stay competitive and Kody Stattmann hit two threes late in the third quarter to help the Emus draw even. The boys could not sustain momentum and eventually bowed out in the physical contest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ij9ZMlpN708

Stattmann led the team with 21 points, albeit on 7 of 20 shooting. Big man Samson Froling chipped an efficient 15 points and led the team with 13 rebounds, and Tamuri Wigness recorded 13 points.

Canada had 3 players in double digit scoring: A.J. Lawson (23), Karim Mane (23), Tyrese Samuel (10).

Full box score can be found on FIBA's website.

Emus vs Canada FIBA U19 World Cup group stage replay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_F3mQM9bj8g

Australia's Emus play Latvia later on 30 June 2019, Sunday at 11:00 pm AEST.

Australian Emus game schedule for 2019 FIBA Under-19 World Cup (AEST)

June 29: Emus vs. Canada at 10.30pm

June 30: Emus vs. Latvia at 11.00pm

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