AUSTRALIA CONTINUE ALBERT SCHWEITZER TOURNAMENT SUCCESS WITH WIN OVER ISRAEL
In a similar performance to their first clash, the Aussies were level with Israel through the opening minutes but opened up a healthy advantage courtesy of an 11-1 run to end the first quarter.
Aiken Krause was deadly with his penetration and converted well from the free-throw line while Samson Froling again provided a strong option in the paint.
Australia’s efficient offence began to take it’s toll on Israel in the second period and they maintained a 73% shooting mark from two-point range while eight players had scored by the main break.
Their depth that had shone through in the first game against Argentina was again on show but Australia’s defence was just as impressive, restricting Israel to 29% shooting as they took a 47-24 lead into half-time.
The second half followed a similar script and while Israel fought until the final siren to win the fourth quarter, there was no stopping the Aussies and Hunter Goodrick (three points, four rebounds) and Blake Jones (one point, one assist, one steal) ensured every member of the team hit the scoreboard.
Australia finished the contest hitting 58% from the field, improving their free-throw’s from the first game on 16-21 shooting and recording 27 assists for their 34 field goals with Isaiah Lee (seven points, six assists, three steals) starring.
Australia’s work under the rim was the most impressive aspect of the game though, out-rebounding Israel 42-17 to restrict any second chance opportunities with Froling (12 points, seven rebounds, five assists), Keli Leaupepe (12 points, five rebounds) and Kyle Bowen (three points, six boards, three assists) all impressing.
Krause top-scored with 23 points on 7-9 shooting while Callum Dalton (14 points) and Alex Ducas (ten points) both notched double-figures as well.
The box score for the game is available here.
After Day 2 of the tournament, Australia are placed second in Group A just below host nation Germany who are also undefeated.
The top two teams from each group will play off in Semi-Finals on April 6 with the winners of those contests advancing to the medal games on the last day of competition.
The official Albert Schweitzer Tournament website will stream every game and provide commentary once the competition hits the finals and you will be able to find links to all games here or here.
Australia’s third game of the group stage is scheduled for 11pm AEST tonight when they will meet Japan who are yet to win a game.
Australia’s Schedule for the 2018 Albert Schweitzer Tournament (all times AEST):
April 2: Australia vs. Japan at 11.00pm
April 5: Australia vs. Germany at 4.00am
April 5: Australia vs. Turkey at 11.30pm
April 6: Semi-Finals and classification games
April 7: Medal Games and classification games
Basketball Australia
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