The Australian Under 19 Men’s team, the Emus, were narrowly defeated 73-70 by China in their second game of the pre-World tournament in Caceres, Spain overnight.
Point guard Patrick Mills top scored with 21 points to lead the Emus with an outstanding display of leadership, commitment and skill while Shannon Seebohm returned from illness to score 14 points and Andrew Ogilvy added 12 points in support.
The Emus big-men – Ben Smith, Ogilvy, Daniel Jackson and Daniel Johnson battled tirelessly against a much taller and heavier Chinese opponent.
The first half was a fairly even encounter with both teams trying to control the game tempo and establish a break on their opponents.
The Emus went to the half time break ahead 36 - 35.
Unfortunately the Emus lost their way in the third quarter and only managed to record 10 points.
The Chinese zone was having its desired effect with the Aussies struggling to create open shots, the Chinese lead 55 - 46 at three quarter time.
The Emus showed real character in the final stanza and fought back to level the scores through a Pat Mills 3 pointer with only 30 seconds to play.
Unfortunately, the Chinese had the final possession and scored a long range three with just 3 seconds to play to record a 73-70.
Three players, Ben Dowdell, Ben Louis and Kevin Probert were unable to participate in the game due an upset stomach.
Coach Marty Clarke was disappointed with the failure of the Emus to control the game and the number of missed free throws at critical times during the game.
The team will play France tonight in their final game in Spain before travelling to Serbia for the World Championships.
China 73 defeated Australia 70 - Mills 21, Seebohm 14, Ogilvy 12, Goulding 5
Point guard Patrick Mills top scored with 21 points to lead the Emus with an outstanding display of leadership, commitment and skill while Shannon Seebohm returned from illness to score 14 points and Andrew Ogilvy added 12 points in support.
The Emus big-men – Ben Smith, Ogilvy, Daniel Jackson and Daniel Johnson battled tirelessly against a much taller and heavier Chinese opponent.
The first half was a fairly even encounter with both teams trying to control the game tempo and establish a break on their opponents.
The Emus went to the half time break ahead 36 - 35.
Unfortunately the Emus lost their way in the third quarter and only managed to record 10 points.
The Chinese zone was having its desired effect with the Aussies struggling to create open shots, the Chinese lead 55 - 46 at three quarter time.
The Emus showed real character in the final stanza and fought back to level the scores through a Pat Mills 3 pointer with only 30 seconds to play.
Unfortunately, the Chinese had the final possession and scored a long range three with just 3 seconds to play to record a 73-70.
Three players, Ben Dowdell, Ben Louis and Kevin Probert were unable to participate in the game due an upset stomach.
Coach Marty Clarke was disappointed with the failure of the Emus to control the game and the number of missed free throws at critical times during the game.
The team will play France tonight in their final game in Spain before travelling to Serbia for the World Championships.
China 73 defeated Australia 70 - Mills 21, Seebohm 14, Ogilvy 12, Goulding 5



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