CROCS OFF TO FAST START AT FIBA UNDER-16 ASIAN CHAMPS
Getting off to a fast start, the Crocs were paced by Joel Capetola (12 points, three steals) and Jay Rantall who found their range early while Tamuri Wigness’ defensive pressure led him to collect three steals by quarter-time.
Australia opened up a 25-point edge by the first break and looked to be in complete control but Malaysia responded to start the second period with a 7-0 run.
They began to find a way through Australia’s press and converted on a couple of lay-ups but the Crocs steadied through Paul Tsapatolis (five points, three steals) and Kobe Williamson (11 points) while Rantall (a game-high 21 points) continued to hurt Malaysia from distance, knocking in four three-pointers.
The Crocs carried that momentum into the third quarter with a 7-1 run and when Luke Travers (two points, nine rebounds, four assists) hit the scoreboard, he ensured every Aussie had scored.
From there, coach Justin Schueller was able to share court time around the entire roster with nobody playing more than 22 minutes and a dominant performance was capped with a 53-28 advantage on the boards.
Australia were just as impressive with their defensive intensity, tallying 20 steals while they also finished with a 23-5 edge in assists.
Five players notched double-figures including Wigness (12 points, four assists, four steals) and Hayden Meakes (11 points) while they shot 53% from the field as a team, out-scoring Malaysia by 18 points from beyond the arc.
Find the box score here and watch the replay below.
The Crocs will now play the Philippines in their final group stage game tomorrow and a victory will see them automatically advance to the Quarter-Finals but even with a loss, they will have one more chance to advance in a knock-out playoff game.
All contests through the tournament will be live-streamed by FIBA and simulcast on the Basketball Australia Facebook page.
Stay tuned to Basketball Australia’s social media channels for updates throughout the competition as well.
The Australian Crocs Schedule for the Under-16 Asian Championships:
April 4: Crocs vs. Philippines at 1.00pm AEST
April 6: Quarter-Finals
April 7: Semi-Finals
April 8: Medal Games
Basketball Australia
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