MEN'S DAY FIVE BEIJING

Australia turned the basketball world upside down by humiliating red-hot and traditional nemesis Lithuania 106 -75 on the last day of preliminary round action at the Olympics.

Brian Goorjian’s team, thrashed in its opening two games by Croatia and Argentina, have now beaten Iran, European champions Russia and Lithuania, a side that defeated them in bronze-medal games at both the Summer Games of Atlanta and Sydney.

Andrew Bogut had nine of his game-high 23 points in the first quarter when the Boomers took a 28-14 lead.

Bogut was four of five from the floor in that opening frame, which included a make on his only three-pointer.

Next up for the Boomers, who finished fourth in Group A, is a quarter-final against the United States, but Goorjian wants to savour the win over Lithuania first and it’s no wonder.

The Lithuanians had won all four of their previous Olympic encounters, and beaten Australia at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.

“We played a European world power today,” Goorjian said.

“They are like the military. They come in and they kicked our ass many times. We played a very good game of basketball and I’m very proud of it.”

Lithuania did not make any excuses, but stressed the game would have no bearing on their quarter-final against China or Greece.

“The team that we have, it definitely doesn’t shake our confidence,” Lithuania’s Linas Kleiza said to FIBA.com.

“They came out good, they played great. We relaxed, thought that everything was done.”

When the dust had settled, Australia had shot an unworldly 16 of 25 (64%) from long range, with Bogut, Brad Newley and Chris Anstey each a perfect three of three.

Eight Aussies hit shots from behind the arc.

What made the win even more impressive was the defense that Australia played. They forced Lithuania to commit 25 turnovers

In Wednesday's quarter final games Spain face Croatia, Lithunia meet China, the USA play Australia and Argentina and Greece play for a spot in the semi finals.

It's all coming to an exciting finish to find a team capable of knocking over Team USA.




Comments

Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.