Euro champs a huge test in Emus’ World Cup medal hunt
Shayne Hope |
European heavyweights Germany stand between Australia’s Emus and their shot at ending a decades-long medal drought at the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
The Emus have surged into the quarter-finals for the first time since 2015, having led all the way in a 106-96 win over the Dominican Republic in the round of 16 on Thursday morning (AEST).
Star forward Jacob Furphy (24 points) again led all scorers with five three-pointers, and Jack Whitbourn (12 points, 12 rebounds) posted a double-double at Lausanne Arena, Switzerland.
An appearance in the quarter-finals on Friday night (AEST) equals the Emus’ best achievement at the tournament since an Andrew Bogut-led line-up claimed a historic gold medal under coach Rob Beveridge in 2003.
But they face a tough ask to live up to guard Dash Daniels’ pre-tournament prediction that “a medal is the least you can expect” from Robbie McKinlay’s team.
The powerful Germany are one of three unbeaten sides, along with tournament favourites USA and debutants Israel.
Germany are led by NBA prospect Hannes Steinbach, who starred with 23 points and 19 rebounds in a 92-83 win over Serbia in the round of 16.
Point-guard Christian Anderson was held to just eight points but dished out 12 assists, tying for the fourth-highest tally in tournament history.
“We all know how to share the ball,” Anderson said.
“We have all played together for a long time so we know each other’s strengths and where to find each other.
“Our chemistry is unmatched.”
Eight-time champions USA take on Canada in the quarter-finals after smashing a series of records on their way to a 140-67 rout of Jordan.
USA set new all-time highs with 59 field goals made, 52 two-point field goals made and 31 steals.
They also broke their own scoring record with 140 points – the second-highest total in U19 World Cup history – and their 41 assists and 37 forced turnovers were the second-highest tallies in competition history.
Eight USA players scored in double figures, led by Tyran Stokes and Morez Johnson Jr (19 each).
New Zealand booked a quarter-final spot for the first time with a 99-86 victory over China.
The Kiwis will take on tournament hosts Switzerland, who shocked France 86-79.
Switzerland, ranked No.60 in the world, went on an 18-0 run spanning the fourth period and overtime to take down their highly fancied rivals.
Canada reached the last eight for the seventh consecutive tournament with a 100-75 win over Mali.
Slovenia meet Israel in the other quarter-final, after Israel rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Cameroon 86-82.
Meanwhile, Emus star Daniels has been named in a 14-player Boomers squad to take on the University of Colorado on the Gold Coast on July 31.
Incoming head coach Adam Caporn has named a mix of youth and experience, with Jack McVeigh, Jack White, Will Hickey, Will Magnay and Xavier Cooks headlining the team.
BOOMERS SQUAD: Josh Bannan, Xavier Cooks, Dash Daniels, Owen Foxwell, Jaylin Galloway, Angus Glover, Ben Henshall, Will Hickey, Will Magnay, Sean Macdonald, Jack McVeigh, Reyne Smith, Harry Wessels, Jack White
AAP
