David K
Years ago
Emu's go down to Brazil 73-72
The Emu's went down to Brazil overnight 73-72 and can now only place between 5th and 8th in the qualification rounds. They played well, especially Mills and Ogilvy, but turnovers (27) and poor free throws 60% 23 from 38 cost them in the end. They started and ended the first quarter well, with Mills dicing and slicing at will through the defence. They had a really poor second quarter with nothing going right for them. To their credit they pegged back a feisty Brazilian side at the end of the third quarter (a prayer from the backcourt with 1 sec on the clock) and looked the goods to win the game in the fourth. They were up by 4 with about 1:58 on the clock, but turnovers and poor free throw shooting meant Brazil stayed in touch. Australia had a chance to clinch the game in the final second, but Mills just missed the fade away 3 point attempt.
It was a devestating loss and probably a game they should have won. They really looked like a 2 man team last night, the supporting cast just weren't up to it on the night. Dowdell in particular had a night to forget. It's a shame they bow out with a 6-1 record while Brazil go through on a 4-3 win loss ratio. For Brazil Prestes played well and was hard to stop at both ends of the court.
