AUS/SRB – Serbia's got five on it

HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) – In the second game of the final day Australia and Serbia squared up to play for fifth place.

The European spuad withstood a lot of pressure in the final minutes to come up on top 74-64.

Australian teams are well-known for their relentless fighting spirit.

Nothing less would be displayed in the game for fifth place at the inaugural FIBA U17 World Championship.

Coach Guy Molloy's troops trailed for most parts of the game - not much, but they always had to keep pushing to not face bigger obstacles to overcome.

Until halftime Serbia hit 5-of-11 shots from three point land plus 9-of-10 from the charity stripe. Australia tried to strike as well from long range, but all nine attempts from beyond the arc just hit the rim and not the bottom of the net (34-40, 20min).

Serbia did not have time to rest, as the „Aussies“ stepped up on defense, collected several rebounds and suddenly closed the gap to make it 52-52 (29min).

Daniel Carlin got a dunk to make it 64-67 with 2:34 left in the fourth. Serbia's Marko Radonjic stroke back, hitting on a triple to once more extend the lead (64-70, 39min).

Furthermore grabbed two key offensive rebounds that created second chances and took time off the clock as well.

Quotes

Guy Molloy, Australia head coach: “Serbia did a professional job today. We are very proud of our team and what we have accomplished – after just eleven days of preparation.“

Nenad Trunic, Serbia head coach: “Thanks to FIBA for the very good organisation at this tournament. We found new friends with Australia and already hat friendly matches before. For our young players it is mentally important to win our last game of the tournament.“

FIBA / JB