ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - Australia aced arguably their toughest test to date by getting through Lebanon, 73-61, to reach the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals, Tuesday at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex.
After producing an average of 136.0 points in their first two outings, the Crocs found themselves in a tight encounter versus the young Cedars but still found ways to succeed, especially down the stretch.
The Lebanese cut the gap to a single digit with 4:05 left but Tom Dammers sank one from deep, before Alex Edwards and Isaiah Jorgenson came through as the crew ended the game with an 8-0 run to finish strongly.
As a result, the four-peat seekers clinched the no. 1 spot in Group A with an immaculate 3-0 record, and became the second team after Japan to qualify directly to the final eight scheduled on September 5.
Jorgenson led Australia with 20 points and 6 rebounds, while Dammers delivered 16 points behind a perfect 4-of-4 clip from three as the two carried much of the load offensively for the squad of Coach Greg Vanderjagt.
Now they wait for their foes in the Quarter-Finals, where they will take on the winner between the second-best team in Group C and the no. 3 team of Group D in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals on September 4.
Johnny Sawma led the Lebanese' gallant stand with 22 points and 5 rebounds, with Charbel El Herera adding 14 points but their efforts weren't enough as the team ended the Group Phase with back-to-back losses.
Lebanon (1-2) ended up third in the group after Bahrain clinched second place as the latter sent India home by way of a 111-80 rout to barge into the Qualification to Quarter-Finals riding a two-game winning streak.
Still on a high from Monday's come-from-behind victory against the WABA side, the GBA Qualifiers champions took a 30-27 lead after the first before pulling away for good in the next chapter toward the masterful W.
It also became an avenue for the program's projected stars to showcase their potential. Hassan Abdulkadir erupted for 31 points and 21 rebounds, while Somto Patrick delivered 30 points and 18 rebounds.
The others took the chance to show out as well, with Hussain Faud scoring 14 points with 4 rebounds plus 7 assists and Mohamed Adel Abdulla chipping in 10 as all but two scored at least 3 in the win.
Team Bahrain will face the third-ranked team of Group B in the Final Phase's first round on September 4, the winner of which will then face the top team of Group C to be disputed by Korea and China later.
Arman, meanwhile, had 23 points and 9 rebounds to lead India, who bowed out of the tilt with three losses in as many games. Shekhar Rathee had 22 points, rebounds, and 8 assists for the SABA representatives.
FIBA