AUCKLAND (FIBA U19 World Championship) - There was no fast start this time, Australia had to do it the hard way, and showed they have what it takes with an emotion-charged 79-74 win over Croatia at the FIBA U19 World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand.

With large and rowdy contingents of Croatian and Australian supporters providing an incredible atmosphere, it was Croatia who had the better of the first half, stretching the Australia defence with their perimeter shooting (6 three pointers) and leading by as much as 36-27 nearing the long break.

But Australia hung tough, being within 19-24 at quarter time, and 34-37 at half time, thanks to a Jason Cadee buzzer beater and some strong play from Mitchell Young and Cody Ellis inside.

It was the third quarter where Australia made their move, going on a 15-2 tear in the first 5:23 to take a 49-39 advantage, with Young scoring 5 points including an emphatic one-handed dunk.

With their fans in full voice, the Croats rallied with a furious run to be within 54-55 at three quarter time, 4 points from Toni Prostran and 6 from Tomislav Zubcic in the last 1:09 of the period setting up a thrilling final quarter.

Croatia took the lead on a Leon Radosevic basket at the start of the fourth quarter, but Australia responded immediately with a three to Ellis and a driving two from Jorden Page.

From there it was the Matthew Dellavedova show, as the Australian point guard scored 15 points, including three perimeter shots and four free throws, as Australia held their nerve down the stretch.

Dellavedova scored 17 for Australia, and was helped by Ellis (14 points), Young and Brock Motum (both 10). The Emus won the rebound count 37 to Croatia’s 25.

Prostran and Zubcic both scored 14, while Ivan Batur (12 points), Dino Butorac (11) and Radocevic (10) all contributed. Star forward Mario Delas was held to 7 points and 5 turnovers by the excellent Ellis defence.

Australia claim first place in Group F with the win, and will now likely face France in the quarter finals on Friday. Croatia seem destined to meet Puerto Rico on Friday, in what should be a contrast of styles.


Cody Ellis, Australia :

“I think we’ve been underrated for a long time, so we came out tonight to make a statement that we’re here to win this thing.

The second half, I think we really picked up our ‘d’, stopped their three point shot, and we moved the ball on offence, got it inside and opened things up for our outside shooters.

They’re a really good team, they have got real good height, really good shooters, and they’ll be one of the teams up there. He (Delas) was one of their ‘top of our list’ guys, him and the little point guard (Prostran). I think we did a good job on them, made their not-so-big names step up.”

FIBA