Australia beat Japan to battle into the subsequent spherical of the Basketball World Cup on Tuesday, whereas Germany, the Dominican Republic, Lithuania and Canada all superior with excellent data.
Italy, Montenegro and Latvia joined them within the subsequent part, whereas France salvaged a measure of pleasure after its shock early exit with a hard-fought win over Lebanon.
Australia wanted to beat Japan after its slim loss to Germany on Sunday and it rose to the event towards the event co-host in Okinawa, profitable 109-89.
Head coach Brian Goorjian mentioned the Boomers have been “enjoying for his or her life”.
“I’m pleased to maneuver to this subsequent stage with this group as a result of I believe we’re getting higher because the event goes on,” he mentioned.
“I do know we misplaced to Germany however I assumed it was probably the greatest video games performed on this entire event. We went up one other degree tonight.”
Josh Giddey scored 26 factors and had 11 assists and 5 rebounds for Australia in one other spectacular efficiency from the 20-year-old. Xavier Cooks scored 24 and had 16 rebounds.
Goorjian mentioned his workforce was “going by way of evolution” after profitable bronze on the Tokyo Olympics two years in the past.
“As they get expertise in worldwide basketball, we’re going to get higher and higher,” he mentioned.
Germany joined Australia within the subsequent spherical as Group E winner after a 101-75 thrashing of Finland.
A hurricane is forecast to hit Okinawa when its play their subsequent sport on Friday however head coach Gordon Herbert was unconcerned.
“We heard there may be one 10 days in the past, and I suppose there’s one coming Friday,” he mentioned.
“Hopefully we’re the hurricane on Friday night time.”