BOOMERS’ LATE HEARTBREAK
AUSTRALIA’S unbeaten World Cup run is over in heartbreaking fashion but the Boomers can still claim a historic bronze medal.
Spain ended the Aussies’ hopes of finishing in the top two with a devastating 95-88 double overtime win in last night’s semi-final.
The Boomers led by as many as 11 points late in the third quarter but they couldn’t execute in the big moments as the Spanish came back to haunt the Aussies after denying them a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Like Rio with a tough charge call on Patty Mills, a controversial foul call on Andrew Bogut in the final seconds of regular time didn’t help the Boomers.
Australia couldn’t contain a formidable Spanish side down the stretch led by NBA stars Juancho Hernangomez, Marc Gasol and Ricky Rubio.
Patty Mills top-scored with 32 points to continue his sublime form. Mills’ strong performance only enhanced his chances of being named the World Cup MVP. Although he will kick himself after missing a crucial freethrow in the final seconds of regular time that would have won the Boomers the match.
Andrew Bogut was also enormous for Australia with 12 points and 8 rebounds.
Spain had a slender 22-21 lead following a fast and tense first quarter.
Turnovers proved costly for Australia in the first half.
The Boomers had opportunities to extend their lead but a lack of concentration on the offensive end denied them this chance.
The Australians rallied in the second quarter on the back of Mills to surge to a 32-24 advantage.
Spain refused to go away but the Boomers held on to lead 37-32 at halftime.
As expected, the Spanish made their run in the third quarter to reduce the Australians’ lead to four points with one quarter remaining.
Spain ensured a grandstand finish by taking the Boomers to double overtime before finally breaking the Australians’ hearts.