Boomers vs Dominican Republic: Basketball World Cup match result, highlights

Match result:

Australia have kept their chances alive for the quarter-finals following their 82-76 victory over the Dominican Republic,

Australia opened the first term well but were challenged plenty by the Dominican Republic, who trailed by five points into the first break.

In the second, they gave up three points to concede 16-19 into half-time, with a buzzer-beater capping off an impressive term from the visitors.

The Dominican Republic looked to maintain control into the third, but lost touch with Andrew Bogut and Patty Mills combining well in offense (17-14).

The fourth presented big scoring from both ends, closing out the game with 25-24 for their fourth consecutive win in the FIBA World Cup.

For Australia, Patty Mills led with 19 points, four rebounds, nine assists and two steals, followed close by Chris Goulding on 15 points.

Elroy Vargas was standout for Dominican Republic, recording a team-high 16 points and seven rebounds, while Solano also impressed with six points, three rebounds and nine assists.

Next Monday, Australia come up against France in a must-win contest, while Dominican Republic advance to face Lithuania with their chances of finals effectively ended.

Final score
Australia 82
Dominican Republic 76

Match preview:

The Australian Boomers will take on the Dominican Republic this Saturday in the FIBA Basketball World Cup after progressing to Round 2 (Group L) with a 3-0 record with a five-point victory over remaining threat, Lithuania last week. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 6pm (AEST).

So far, Australia have proven to be a dominant force in the World Cup and currently rank third across all groups for points scored (276), behind Serbia (323) and USA (279), while remaining one of eight teams yet to record a loss.

However, despite their offensive capabilities, the Boomers have lacked on defense, recording the second-highest points against (242), behind Brazil (245).

Last week, their points against grew even further after coming close to defeat against Lithuania.

Despite leading 68-60 at the beginning of the third, Australia quickly lost their resolve to concede the lead with six minutes remaining.

In the dying moments Patty Mills took control to record seven points in the last three minutes, including a three-point dagger in the final 30 seconds.

Mills went on to record a game-high 23 points, while Aron Baynes managed a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

This week they come up against one of the Tournament’s pacier sides in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic sit equal with the Philippines as the World Cup’s shortest team though have proven to be a force with consecutive wins in their first two outings.

Viktor Liz currently leads, averaging 14.7 points per game, while Gelvis Solano remains impressive on the offensive end with 6.0 assists per game.

Due to clear height restrictions, the Dominican Republic currently rank 18th in the tournament for rebounds, with 38 offensive and 71 defensive.

They also rank 25th for total points and 24th for efficiency, while placing outside the top-10 for most of the remaining categories.

Currently, the Boomers hold in third for double-doubles, third for field goal shooting, third for assists, fourth for efficiency and 28th for fouls.

The Boomers will look to Mills and Baynes to deliver this week after two standout performances against Lithuania.
On Monday, the Boomers proceed to their match-up with France, who also boast an undefeated record thus far.

Prediction
Australia have had some close ones but are still undefeated for a reason.

The Boomers by 25 points.

Tip-off: 6pm AEST
Venue: Gymnasium of Youth Olympic Games Sports Park, Nanjing
TV: Live, Fox Sports 507
Online: Live, Kayo Sports, Foxtel App, Foxtel Now
Betting: Australia $1.01, Dominican Republic $34

Australia
Point guard: Patty Mills
Shooting guard: Matthew Dellavedova
Small forward: Joe Ingles
Power forward: Jock Landale
Centre: Aron Baynes

Bench: Andrew Bogut, Mitch Creek, Cameron Gliddon, Chris Goulding, Nick Kay, David Barlow, Nathan Sobey

Dominican Republic
Point guard: Gelvis Solano
Shooting guard: Victor Liz
Small forward: Sadiel Rojaz
Power forward: Eulis Baez
Centre: Eloy Vargas

Bench: Dagoberto Pena, Rigoberto Mendoza, Juan Miguel Suero, Ronald Ramon, Ronald Roberts, Juan Garcia, Lui Montero