Boomers hang tough early but lose to USA

The Australian Boomers have been defeated by Team USA 113-73 at the world basketball championship in Japan.

Andrew Bogut top scored for Australia with 20 points. He was supported by Brad Newley with 15 points and Sam Mackinnon with eight points.

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony scored 20 points to lead Team USA.

The Boomers came out firing and had the early lead before the United States came back to go up 4 at quarter time, 27-23.

Andrew Bogut paced Australia with 9 points and Brad Newley had eight points, but the offence dried up in the second quarter and a 32-6 pasting saw Australia behind 59-29 at half time.

The United States were lethal from three-point land, landing 12 of 18 by three-quarter time to stroll into the final break leading 88-49.

Four quick points from Aaron Bruce to open the final period gave the Boomers a flicker of hope, but Team USA steadied to close out the match comfortable winners 113-73.

No injuries were reported.

The defeat marks the end of the world championship for the young Boomers, who accomplished their pre-tournament goal of advancing to the second round.

Two close pool matches that the Boomers almost won would have given Australia a less formidable opponent in the second round than the United States.

Match Details:

USA 113 – Anthony 20, Johnson 18, Wade 15

AUSTRALIA 73 – Bogut 20, Newley 15, Mackinnon 8