Australia defeat Team USA in exhibition game in Las Vegas

Led by Patty Mills and Joe Ingles, the Australian Boomers have claimed an eight-point victory over Team USA- 91-83- in an edge-of-your-seat clash, in game two of the Las Vegas exhibition series.

After a tight first term, highlighted by three incredible Joe Ingles three-pointers and lead changes see-sawing between the two, it was Team USA who were able to shift momentum their way and control the play.

A sensational Patty Mills three-pointer on the half time buzzer dampened the USA’s second term dominant display, narrowing the half time gap to an attainable nine-points, and teasing what was still to come.

A response was called from the Boomers after half time, and a response was what they got as they began chipping away at the USA’s attack. Matisse Thybulle and Chris Goulding were strong contributors to the comeback, but it was Duop Reath’s three-point shot that levelled the game and fully shifted the momentum the way of the Boomers.

With extensive leadership displayed from Mills and Ingles, the boys were able to keep their composure as the USA charged into a final attack. Matthew Dellavedova and Matisse Thybulle’s game saving defensive efforts were the difference when sealing the win.

Head Coach Brian Goorjian takes this win as a good sign of their ongoing development and preparations.

"Winning is one thing, the process is another. We moved the ball better, got better shots and defensively figured things out."

"It’s a short window here, where we’ve got to go learn and get better."

Joe Ingles has complete confidence in the mindset and focus of the team.

"Whoever we face, whatever time it is, we feel like we can win the game."

The Boomers’ will now regroup and prepare to face Nigeria tomorrow.

MATCH:

Australia: 24 37 69 91

USA: 27 46 64 83

BEST:

Australia:

Mills: 22pts, 2rb, 4ast

Ingles: 17pts, 4rb, 3ast, 3x3PT

Thybulle: 12pts, 2rb, 3ast, 3stl, 3blk, 2x3PT

Goulding: 11pts, 3x3PT

USA Basketball:

Durant 17pts

Beal 12 pts

Lillard 22pts