Australia’s Under-19 Men’s team, the Emus, won their opening game at the 2009 FIBA Under-19 World Championship, defeating Canada 88-77 in Auckland, New Zealand this afternoon.

Australia jumped out of the blocks to establish a 13-point lead within the first four minutes, an advantage that Canada was unable to overcome.
The Emus were led by Cody Ellis, son of former Olympian Mike Ellis, and fellow 2009 Boomers squad member Brock Motum. Ellis was dominant with 25 points, six rebounds and three blocks while Motum added 22 points and eight rebounds. Canada’s Mangisto Arop led all scorers with 27 points.

Australia matched the Canadian post players throughout the game and won the rebound count by nine boards, 42-33.
Forward Cody Ellis said the Aussies still have room for improvement.

“I think we had a couple of silly turnovers...and we need to box them out a lot more,” Ellis said.

Despite the Australians’ quick start Canada chipped away at the margin and was only six points behind at the first break 24-18.
The Emus’ lead continued to shrink as Australia failed to convert at the free throw line, shooting at just 16 per cent for the game, but the margin remained eight points at halftime.

Canada picked up their defensive effort in the second half but ultimately could not overcome the early lead set up by the Australians.
In other games today Spain beat Syria 79-53, United States crushed Iran 106-55, Croatia cooled Kazakhstan 104-74 and Puerto Rico pipped Lithuania 80-73.

The preliminary round continues tomorrow when the Emus play Spain at 3.00pm AEST. You can follow the game tomorrow with LIVESTATS and on www.FIBATV.com.

[Box Score]

Quarter by quarter:
1: AUST 24 CAN 18
H: AUST 42 CAN 34   (18-16)
3: AUST 66 CAN 56   (24-22)
F: AUST 88 CAN 77   (22-21)

AUSTRALIA 88 (Cody Ellis 25, Brock Motum 22, Ryan Broekhoff 9, Jason Cadee 9) bt
CANADA 77 (Mangisto Arop 27, Rob Gagliadi 11, Cory Joseph 11, Kelly Olynyk 11)

Article by Basketball Australia
Photo by KANGAROO Photo