Bogut bags Boomers’ lack of nous

BASKETBALL: Australia have qualified for their first World Cup quarter-final in almost 40 years but Andrew Bogut says history will mean nothing unless the Boomers improve their “horse s---” game management.

The Australians confirmed their first final-eight finish since 1982 following a hard-fought win over the Dominican Republic on Saturday.

The Boomers face France tonight from 10pm (AEST) to determine who finishes top of Group L.

The clash against the French is crucial because the loser will most likely play Team USA in a quarter-final in Dongguan on Wednesday.

Australia remain undefeated in the World Cup (4-0) but Bogut believes his side must be more clinical to beat the big teams.

“The good teams, the US, Lithuania and whatnot will punish you, if you don’t manage the clock well in the last two, three minutes,” Bogut fired.

“Our clock management was horse s---. I’ve lost games like that before, up eight with a few seconds left. You’ve got to be very careful.”

The Boomers will have to dramatically improve defensively to defeat France.

The French have five NBA players, including Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert and Charlotte Hornets small forward Nicolas Batum.

France are loaded with talent but there is one man that makes Bogut nervous.

“Their guard (Evan) Fournier is one of the most talented guys at this tournament,” Bogut said about Fournier, who had 24 points in France’s threepoint win over Lithuania on Saturday. “We’ve to make sure we make life tough for him.”