Australia’s men’s basketball team, the Boomers, start their pursuit of a first-ever Olympic Games medal when they play Nigeria in their opening pool match at the Tokyo Games on Sunday, starting at 6.20pm AEST.
The teams met earlier this month in Las Vegas after both teams had inflicted defeats on the United States team but Australia’s starting lineup was its second string in a 108-69 win.
Jock Landale was the only starter who played, alongside Nathan Sobey, Dante Exum, Matisse Thybulle and Nick Kay as coach Brian Goorjian kept NBA stars Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Matthew Dellavedova and Aron Baynes away from action ahead of this Games meeting between the teams.
In Las Vegas, Nigeria, coached by Golden State Warriors assistant Mike Brown, hit 20 three-pointers to beat the US 90-87 and become the first African team to beat the Americans.
The Nigerians have several players with NBA experience, including Gabe Vincent and Josh Okogie.
Vincent, who appeared in 50 games for the Miami Heat this season, scored a game-high 21 points and hit six three-pointers to lead Nigeria’s scoring.
Australia are looking to make up for the Rio Olympics where they threatened to win a first medal but fell short.
They will be led by Patty Mills, who carried the flag in the opening ceremony.
Mills was asked if the Boomers may take a knee or produce another symbolic gesture before the tip-off
“Those conversations haven’t been had, mate,” Mills said. “It’s one of those things, as a team sport there are always things you try to find to come together and bond. If that helps you compete, that’s what should be done,” he said.
Tip off: 6:20pm (AEST)
Venue: Saitama Super Arena, Tokyo
TV: Channel Seven
Online: 7plus
Mitcher
Guest
Really brought the positivity today. Well done.
Justin Robertson
Expert
That's it for now. Boomers will play Italy on Wednesday in a top of the table clash for Group B. Boomers lead the group with +19. Nigeria will take on Germany. See you all then.
Justin Robertson
Expert
SCORERS Boomers: Mills 25, Exum 11, Ingles 11, Kay 10. For Nigeria, Emegano 12, Okogie 11, Achiuwa 10, Nwora 10.
Justin Robertson
Expert
Thybulle to Kay who dunks it for an 84-65 lead to the Boomers. That will do it. Boomers with a solid win the end on the back of a strong second half (41 to 25). Patty Mills the standout for the Boomers with 25 points and five threes. Boomers' strong defensive work continued. Their Olympic campaign is off and racing.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Better final quarter but still pretty rusty.
Rellum
Roar Guru
Finally Joe gets a bucket
Justin Robertson
Expert
Thybulle with the two-handed jam! Boomers lead 78-60 with 1:55 left to play.
Justin Robertson
Expert
Boomers using the clock to their advantage right now slowing things down. They lead 76-60 with 2:17 remaining.
XI
Roar Guru
Very solid effort closing the match
Rellum
Roar Guru
We have been utter rubbish shooting under the basket
Justin Robertson
Expert
FREE THROWS Nigeria 12/24, Boomers 17/19.
Justin Robertson
Expert
TIMEOUT CALLED Mike Brown in the huddle for Nigeria urging his team to show some movement.
Justin Robertson
Expert
Nigeria look flat-footed. There doesn't seem to be that same energy they had in the exhibition games. Boomers lead 74-60 with 3:56 left in the match.
Justin Robertson
Expert
Nigeria have only scored 18 points in the second half. Patty Mills at the line for two shots. He nais both. Boomers lead 74-58 with 5:08 remaining.
Justin Robertson
Expert
Mills is taking this game over. He slots another three. He moves to 22, shooting 5-from-6 for three. Boomers up 70-58. This is now the biggest lead in the game.
Justin Robertson
Expert
Referees reviewing a two-shot foul. Dellavedova gets what looked like a reaching call. Sinks both.
XI
Roar Guru
Arm wrestle of a game. The one in Vegas was much better for both sides
Rellum
Roar Guru
Why are we stopping for this?
Rellum
Roar Guru
Lack of offensive rebounds is an issue. Nigeria is defending very well
Justin Robertson
Expert
Thybulle three! Boomers opening up a nice 64-56 lead.