Gallant Emus to play for bronze

Australia’s Under-19 Men’s team, the Emus, will playoff for the Bronze Medal at the 2009 FIBA Under-19 World Championship for Men after they were outplayed by Greece, falling 84-69 in their Semi Final at the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland, New Zealand this afternoon.

The Bronze medal will be on the line at 3.00pm tomorrow AEST, when Australia tackles the loser of the second Semi Final between the USA and Croatia.

Emus Head Coach Marty Clarke said Australia never gave up but were simply beaten by a better opponent.

"You could never question their desire or their willingness to play hard, today we just came up against a very good team and we got ourselves into a bit of a bind early. We didn't take opportunities when they were presented and gave up too many boards but they played with desperation and you've got to admire the guys for that," Clarke said.

"In this situation all you can do is take those positives and focus on what we did well and what we need to do well tomorrow. It becomes a mental test now of how much this really means to the team. We have won 10 games in a row against quality opposition and the self-belief should be there."

Emus’ Captain Matthew Dellavedova said Australia gave it their all but could not pull off the comeback.

“We just let it get too far in front at the start and we couldn’t get back in... We kept trying but it wasn’t to be. We’re just disappointed we couldn’t get it done today,” Dellavedova said.

Emus’ guard Jorden Page lit up for 15 points in 18 minutes to lead the team; Dellavedova added 12 and Mitchell Young bagged a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Greece’s Nikolaos Pappas led all scorers with 19 points.

After two electrifying games in the Eighth Finals and the Quarter Finals the Emus failed to ignite against the European Champions, shooting just 33 per cent from the field, well down on their 47 per cent from the Quarter Final yesterday.

The Emus struggled with their defensive rotation in the opening term as the Greeks easily penetrated for uncontested baskets for a 24-18 lead at the first break.

The second quarter started in the same fashion as Leonidas Kaselakis drove straight to the basket before Vlantimir Giankovits nailed a wide open three and pushed the margin out to 11 points.

The Emus started a play a full court press and get up for the offensive boards which made an impact, getting back within four points. But the Greeks answered the challenge and stole back momentum to lead 46-33 at halftime.

The Emus started the third quarter with some aggression in defence but Greece was patient and the Emus could not execute their own offence. The Australians were unable to make any inroads into the margin, 20 points at the final break, 67-47.

In the fourth term the Australians continued to playing hassling defence but Greece stayed controlled. The teams went goal for goal but it was not enough for the Emus to get back into the game.

Australia will continue to fight for a podium finish and with the USA undefeated, will most likely face off against Croatia in the Bronze medal final tomorrow.

Clarke said whichever team the Emus play tomorrow, the USA or Croatia, it would be a big challenge.

"If it is Croatia they have good size and they shoot the ball well and that was an issue for us today. If it's the USA we have to match up against their athleticsm and strength to contain their penetration."

Follow the Emus live on www.FIBATV.com and LIVESTATS from 3.00pm tomorrow AEST. The game will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports New Zealand.

[Box Score]

Quarter by quarter:

1: GRE 24 AUST 18
H: GRE 46 AUST 33   (22-15)
3: GRE 67 AUST 47   (21-14)
F: GRE 84 AUST 69   (17-22)

AUSTRALIA 69 (Jorden Page 15, Matthew Dellavedova 12, Mitchell Young 10) defeated by
GREECE 84 (Nikolaos Pappas 19, Kostas Papanikolaou 18, Vlantimir Giankovits 16)

At the North Shore Events Centre in Auckland, New Zealand

Article by Basketball Australia




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