Young Aussies Topple USA
Emus finish with bronze medal
Basketball Australia
www.basketball.net.au
31 Mar 2008
The Australian under-19 men’s basketball team put in a performance to remember at the 24th Albert Schweitzer Tournament in Mannheim, Germany overnight, overcoming the United States 87-67 to finish with a prestigious bronze medal.
Maryborough’s Matthew Dellavedova led Australia with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists with Shane Harris Tunks adding 17 points and Christian Salecich 15 points.
America’s 216cm centre Jeffree Whithey finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 7 blocked shots.
Australia’s harassing defence shocked the United States in the opening quarter and after one stanza the Emus led 26-10.
The USA was more composed in the second quarter but Australia continued to match them basket-for-basket until half time and when the hooter sounded the Emus were ahead by seventeen, 48-31.
America bolted after the break but Australia limited the damage and with one quarter to play the Emus had the advantage, 66-55.
The young Aussies put in a final stanza to remember, restricting the Americans to twelve points while dashing away with 21 of their own to finish with an impressive 20-point win.
Greece, who pipped Australia in overtime of the semi final, was the overall winner of the tournament after defeating Turkey, 96-82.
AUSTRALIAN EMUS 87 – M Dellavedova 20, S Harris-Tunks 17, C Salecich 15 def
USA 67 – J Whithey 16, W Judge 15, I Walker 10
at 24th Albert Schweitzer Tournament
US Sports Arena. Mannheim, Germany.
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