Saskibaloia
06-18-2007, 10:45 PM
Boomers improve to 3-0
Monday, June 18, 2007 - 10:17 AM
Basketball Australia
Despite half the team and several members of the coaching staff being struck down by a severe virus, the Australia Post Boomers registered a gutsy 75-54 win over Italy in Jiangmen City, China.
Sydney King Ian Crosswhite has been the worst affected and was unable to play while New Zealand Breaker Oscar Forman, Perth Wildcats guard Brad Robbins and Head Coach Brian Goorjian are severely ill.
Australia will play games against Croatia, Italy and host nation China whilst on tour.
The Boomers coaching staff will use the tour as part of the preparation for the 2007 FIBA Oceania Men’s Championship between Australia and New Zealand set to take place on August 20, 22 and 24 in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Sydney Kings Forward Mark Worthington top scored for the Boomers with 15 points while Damien Ryan (Perth Wildcats) contributed 13 points and rookie sensation Joe Ingles (South Dragons) and Daniel Kickert (Livorno, Italy) added 11 points each in support.
“The way this group played tonight given the adversity we were under with players and staff being so ill, to get a result like this is an unbelievable effort,” Assistant Coach Gordon McLeod said.
“At the end of the game the coaching staff looked at each other and was just amazed in the performance and about how they were able to step-up for a third straight day.
“It was in the trenches stuff and the most pleasing aspect of the win was not once did their level of intensity drop off.
“Our defensive intensity really laid the platform for the win and these guys play harder than anyone else out there so to produce this kind of performance is extremely satisfying.
“With the talent they had on the floor, to keep them to just 54 points indicated just what a phenomenal performance it was.”
The energetic Boomers simply outclassed Italy for the entirety of the match, winning all four quarters on the back of a spirited defensive performance.
The Boomers held a 17-16 lead at quarter time before establishing a strong 34-26 halftime buffer after taking the second term 17-10.
The Boomers never took their foot of the pedal in the second half, restricting the impact of the Italian talls and scoring at a fast rate of their own to win the second half 42-29 and setting up their third win in as many days.
Oscar Forman suffered a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play again on tour while those worst affected by virus are under constant medical supervision.
The Boomers now have a rest day before taking on Croatia at 9pm AEST on Tuesday, June 19.
Again, another nice win by the underrated Australian natioanl team.
Monday, June 18, 2007 - 10:17 AM
Basketball Australia
Despite half the team and several members of the coaching staff being struck down by a severe virus, the Australia Post Boomers registered a gutsy 75-54 win over Italy in Jiangmen City, China.
Sydney King Ian Crosswhite has been the worst affected and was unable to play while New Zealand Breaker Oscar Forman, Perth Wildcats guard Brad Robbins and Head Coach Brian Goorjian are severely ill.
Australia will play games against Croatia, Italy and host nation China whilst on tour.
The Boomers coaching staff will use the tour as part of the preparation for the 2007 FIBA Oceania Men’s Championship between Australia and New Zealand set to take place on August 20, 22 and 24 in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Sydney Kings Forward Mark Worthington top scored for the Boomers with 15 points while Damien Ryan (Perth Wildcats) contributed 13 points and rookie sensation Joe Ingles (South Dragons) and Daniel Kickert (Livorno, Italy) added 11 points each in support.
“The way this group played tonight given the adversity we were under with players and staff being so ill, to get a result like this is an unbelievable effort,” Assistant Coach Gordon McLeod said.
“At the end of the game the coaching staff looked at each other and was just amazed in the performance and about how they were able to step-up for a third straight day.
“It was in the trenches stuff and the most pleasing aspect of the win was not once did their level of intensity drop off.
“Our defensive intensity really laid the platform for the win and these guys play harder than anyone else out there so to produce this kind of performance is extremely satisfying.
“With the talent they had on the floor, to keep them to just 54 points indicated just what a phenomenal performance it was.”
The energetic Boomers simply outclassed Italy for the entirety of the match, winning all four quarters on the back of a spirited defensive performance.
The Boomers held a 17-16 lead at quarter time before establishing a strong 34-26 halftime buffer after taking the second term 17-10.
The Boomers never took their foot of the pedal in the second half, restricting the impact of the Italian talls and scoring at a fast rate of their own to win the second half 42-29 and setting up their third win in as many days.
Oscar Forman suffered a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play again on tour while those worst affected by virus are under constant medical supervision.
The Boomers now have a rest day before taking on Croatia at 9pm AEST on Tuesday, June 19.
Again, another nice win by the underrated Australian natioanl team.