Updated August 22, 2011 08:54:10
Australia continued its impressive basketball form with a strong 78-69 victory over European powerhouse Serbia in the London International Basketball Invitational.
The Boomers bounced back from a one-point deficit at three-quarter-time to produce a huge 29-19 final term and secure victory.
Forward Joe Ingles led the Boomers with 17 points, with Brad Newley adding 14, while AJ Ogilvy grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds.
"We needed to rebound, and I thought that in the second half especially we were able to get stops and we'd rebound and run out of it," head coach Brett Brown said.
"This win was done by committee - everyone that came on contributed.
"The group's really responded to the defensive challenges that we've put on each other.
"We really take a lot of pride in the defensive side of the floor and to be able to hold a very deep, talented, veteran team to 69 points was just a great team effort."
Young point guard Matthew Dellavedova emerged as a key figure, contributing 12 points and some big plays in the fourth quarter.
"I think Matty Dellavedova has emerged to be a real important part of this team," Brown said.
"I thought Matty Nielsen showed great leadership down the stretch and it was Joe Ingles' best game as a Boomer.
"I think it's a great credit to the team coming in in great shape and being able to close the game out in the end.
"Their defence has been quite special the whole tournament.
"I think tonight was a real testament to their fitness.
"They did a great job of playing through a bunch of different situations to close out a very difficult game."
AAP
Tags: basketball,
sport,
england,
serbia,
australia First posted August 21, 2011 13:52:30
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