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| Jay Rantall led Australia's offense as the team's defense proved to be the difference. FIBA |
By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Australia sent Batang Gilas crashing with an 82-52 rout in the final day of the group phase of the FIBA Asia U16 Championship in Foshan, China on Wednesday.
Thanks to their pressure defense, the Crocs quickly recovered from a slow start and eventualy bludgeoned a sluggish Batang Gilas side that committed 29 turnovers and made only 30.6 percent of its baskets.
Jay Rantall tallied 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists off the bench for Australia, which topped Group B at 2-0 and secured an outright seat to the quarterfinals.
Kobe Williamson added 14 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two blocks.
McLaude Gaudana fired 11 points, three rebounds, and one steal off the bench for Batang Gilas, which needs to beat Hong Kong in the wildcard playoffs on Thursday for the right to join Australia in the quarterfinals
Box Scores:
Australia 82-Rantall 15, Williamson 14, Travers 11, Capetola 9, Wigness 8, Herbert 8, Buluk 7, Jackson 6, Meakes 2, Madden 2, Tsapatolis 0
Philippines 52-Gaudana 11, Calimag 10, Sotto 9, Andrada 8, Padrigao 5, Fortea 4, Cortez 2, Lazaro 2, Chiu 1, Go 0, Bautista 0, Balaga 0
Quarterscores: 18-13, 38-25, 62-40, 82-52
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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