USA defeats Australia 78-77 to clinch the fifth position at the 2011 FIBA U-19 World Championship
Shooting guard Tim Hardaway Junior led USA who managed to squeak past Australia by 78-77 after a nerve racking encounter for the fifth place in the FIBA U-19 World Championship.
Hardaway guided the way for USA as he thumped 21 points along with five rebounds and two assists during his 23 minutes of stay on court. Hardaway hit eight of 16 from the field, three of seven from the three-point range and two of three from the charity stripe. Doug Mc Dermott added 13 points, clutched five rebounds and provided one assist.
Hugh Greenwood once again led Australia with his game-high 26 points together with five assists and six rebounds. During his 38 minutes log, Greenwood was 10 of 23 from the field and six of 14 from the three-point range. Mitchell Creek and Jackson Aldridge added 11 points apiece for Australia.
Both teams seemed right on their toes as the ball was tossed up to start the game. It was Australia, who made the break through early and left the Americans behind with some brisk ball play. By the time, the first period ended, Australia was leading USA by 24-21.
The trend continued in the second quarter. The defence got tighter on both sides and the teams headed into the locker room with Australia holding a four point advantage at 43-39.
After being outplayed in the first half, USA came out came back in their groove. They opened up their front court and created more opportunities to score. That paid dividends and USA managed to outscore the Aussies 21-16 in the frame to take a one point lead at 60-59.
With their fifth position and most importantly their pride at stake both teams, came out firing in the final quarter. However, after fighting for 10 minutes both teams finished with 18 points each and the Americans were able to register the game in their favour by one-point lead.
There was virtually nothing to separate between the two teams on the night. The teams were tied on the glass at 38 each, USA shot at 42.3 percent from the field, while the Aussies converted 44 percent of their shots. The free throw prowess ultimately proved to be the difference on the night. USA dominated the Australians from the stripe, going 9 of 15 in comparison to Australia’s 8 of 19.
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