Quiet one
Years ago
Crocs fall in world champ semis
Sunday, 14 August 2005 @ 3:46 PM
sportal.com.au
Australia's U21 men's team has lost its semi-final to Lithuania 73-96 in the FIBA World Championships in Argentina.
It was a rematch of sorts of the final of the U19 World Championships in 2003 when the Australians beat the Lithuanians, but this time the Europeans proved too strong.
The Aussies will now take on Canada on Sunday afternoon for a chance at a bronze medal.
"Lithuania were better than us," said a disappointed Australian coach, Guy Molloy.
"We faced a very committed and very efficient Lithuanian team tonight and they simply outplayed us," he continued. "Full credit must go to them on an excellent performance".
Rhys Carter top scored for the Crocs with 19 points and Steve Markovic added 14, but their usual all-around team effort was lacking.
The Crocs were never allowed to get into the game after Lithuania led 26-11 at the end of the first quarter.
Australia clawed back to within seven points at half-time, but after the break, the Lithuanians dominated.
Although disappointed with the loss Molloy said he is looking forward to bronze medal game.
"This is a really important game for us," he said.
"The team understands that it's really important to play for a bronze in a World Championships and to be ranked third in the world is a real honour. We'll be doing our best to get it done. We want to come home with a medal."
