AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - After a disappointing first 15 minutes Australia has kept their unbeaten record in tact with a comprehensive 96-54 victory over Syria on day 3 of the FIBA U19 World Championship.

Syria closed to 26-40 with 5:14 remaining in the second quarter before Australia finally clicked into gear, outscoring the Asian bronze medallists 13-3 to finish the half 24 points in the lead.

Although Syria fought the game out strongly, Australia’s speed in transition and interior passing enabled them to score numerous easy baskets and comfortably extend the lead to 42 at game’s end.

Syria have continued to improve throughout the tournament, and received excellent service today over four quarters from Mahmoud Osfira (20 points, 7/11 shooting), while Tarek Al Jabe also impressed with 18 points on 3/8 3pfg, and 4 steals.

After placing fourth in Group C, Syria will face the loser of New Zealand and Kazakhstan in the first of their two qualification games.

Australia claim first place in Group C, and will play the top three teams from Group D – Croatia, Argentina and the winner of New Zealand and Kazakhstan – on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Their top scorers against Syria were reserve big men Matthew Hodgson (17 points, 6/7fg) and Mitchell Young (14, 6/7fg).


They said :

Marty Clarke, Australia coach :

On Syria’s performance: “They came out and played hard. They play a different style which was confusing for us at times. Until the middle of the second quarter we got caught up in a bit of their style of game, we knew the two guards could shoot it, and they were competitive.”

On his players not having a letdown after two tough games: “I thought they handled it well. It’s always difficult to come into a situation like that, it can be dangerous. But we did a really nice job defensively and we kept them under what we needed to, which was 60.”

Gorge Homsi Zidan, Syria coach :

On Australia’s inside dominance: “Australian team played very good basketball. They had four tall players who played very well inside. They have big experience, we do not have experience to play inside game.

We have one tall player, 2.17m, but he does not have any experience internationally.”

On his team’s improvement: “Yes, before the game today I said please play good defence and offence, everything you have learned here and playing basketball, use it and play. They did well.”

FIBA