CHN/AUS – Same score as Australia crowned king of thrillers

HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) – The final score stood 68-66 in Australia's favor. Yes, that's right, with the exact same score as the FIBA Oceania Champions got their berth for the quarter-finals three days ago.

In the quarter-finals, China fell to Canada 96-102, while Australia were outshone by the USA 70-105. Although both teams had suffered heavy losses within the past 24 hours ago, they squared up to qualifiy for classification final for place five (sat. 11:15h).

Australia, who expressed their happiness at having come this far in the competition, seemed to be freed of any pressure, seemingly sticking to coach Guy Molloy's instructions. This newfound freedom may also have been the reason why they kept their composure, when China launched a comeback midway through the third quarter after having trailed by as many 11 points.

Then it was Australia´s turn to fall behind. But Owen Odigie, Australia's celebrated hero from the ultimate preliminary game, knocked down a shot near the rim to tie the game at 61 apiece with 2:30 to go in the fourth. Xuhang Zhu had already missed six consecutive three point attempts, but his seventh try finally dropped (64-61, 38min).

Aussie guard Daniel Hill cut it back with two from the free throw line, while at other end China's Guo Ailun converted just 1-of-2 free-throws (65-63) at the 1:14 mark.

It took Australia only 14 seconds to tie the score once again, as Daniel Carlin finished inside the paint. Ailun failed to capitalise on a one-on-one situation, losing the ball.

With several players hustling, sacrificing their bodies for the loose ball, Australia emerged in possession. Daniel Hill let the clock run down, got rid of his defender on a high screen, fired and hit on a triple with 4.6 seconds on the clock (65-68).

China had one last chance, but Zhai Xiaochuan - fouled on his three point attempt - went to the line. He missed his first, hit the second and intentionally gave up the third in hope of a lightning quick putback, which came a split-second too late.

Quotes

Bin Fan, China head coach: “Congratiulations to Australia – they were prepared better and had the desire to win.“

Guy Molloy, Australia head coach: “China is very difficult to play, and with Ailun Guo they have one outstandng player.“

FIBA / JB