CROCS FOLLOW NAIL-BITING WIN WITH HEARTBREAKING LOSS AT 2018 FIBA U17 WORLD CUP

After a 27-17 opening quarter that was punctuated by a Josh Bannan dunk (although the landing needed some work), the Crocs looked to be in control for most of the contest and had extended their lead to 11 at three-quarter time.

The Western Australian duo of Luke Jackson (16 points, 11 rebounds) and Luke Travers (13 points, 11 rebounds) owned the glass with double-doubles each but Turkey were relentless as they chased down the Aussies in the final term.

They went on an 11-0 run and while Tamuri Wigness, with a steal and assist, and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, with a lay-up, combined to try and hold them off, Turkey still moved in front with 2:30 remaining.

Wigness (ten points, three assists, three steals) was able to respond with an and-one opportunity on the following possession and while he missed the free-throw, Jackson and Kobe Williamson (ten points, six rebounds, four assists) followed with two from the charity stripe to put the Crocs back in front inside the last 20 seconds.

Out of a time-out, Turkey came back at the Aussies as they got a sweeping hook to drop from Omer Kucuk before they tied Wigness up as he drove the length of the floor, looking for a game-winner.

With a one-point lead, Turkey then had a chance to force the game at least into overtime with two free-throws but they only made one, leaving the door open for a last-second heave from the Crocs.

Wigness pushed the ball ahead to Hunter Clarke (five points, two steals) but with time running out, he was unable to get a handle on it as the siren sounded to give Turkey an 81-79 win.

Find the box score here and watch a replay of the game vs. Turkey below.

Ruing their fourth-quarter performance, Australia will also need to work on their 24 turnovers which handed Turkey 23 points as well as 21 fast break points.

They have a day’s rest now before taking on Puerto Rico, the only undefeated team in Group A, early Wednesday morning.

While every team advances to the Round of 16, Australia would be aiming to finish in the top two to ensure a strong position heading into the business end of the tournament where each game is an elimination.

You can watch every game of the Crocs’ Under-17 World Cup campaign via Basketball Australia’s Facebook page or on FIBA’s YouTube channel here.

The Australian Crocs Schedule for the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup (all times AEST):

July 4: Australia vs. Puerto Rico at 2.15am
July 5: Round of 16
July 7: Quarter-Finals
July 8: Semi-Finals
July 9: Medal Games

The Australian Crocs have followed a nail-biting two-point victory over Dominican Republic in their opening game of the 2018 FIBA Under-17 World Cup with a heartbreaking loss by the same margin to Turkey in their second game of the group stage.

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