Australia vs. Ceska Rep. 100 - 103 (22032)Facing last world cup champions and number 1 team in the world wasn't going to be an easy task and Australia knew that they had to produce something special to get over the Ceska Republic. It was also a game where Australia would celebrate Jackson Mansfield
(8157988) breaking the all time national cap record held by legendary guard Preston Grigg
(836690). When interviewed about this, Mansfield show great humility. "It's an honour to overtake Preston who was my mentor when I first joined the national team. I hope this doesn't distract us from our game tonight."
Right from the word go, Australia were looking primed and ready. Australia started out strongly taking a 7-2 lead. But the Ceska Republic would keep pulling back each time Australia would try to take a small lead. Eventually Australia would take a minor lead of 3 points at the end of the first break. Australia would carry this momentum into the second quarter and have a lead of 10 points with six and half minutes remaining. An earlier short timeout from the Ceska Republic would be the turning point of the match as they took control with an incredible run of 21-6 which resulting in the Ceska Republic having a 5 point lead at the main break.
It was a costly quarter for Australia as they would find themselves playing catch up for the remaining of the match. The third quarter saw a lot of trading baskets back and forth as each time Australia got within a basket or leveled against the Ceska Republic, they would get another basket to extend the lead back out. Australia would close the gap to within 1 point at the final break. With the game on the line and both teams starting to tire out, something had to give for one side. Ceska Republic elevated their game to another level as each time Australia got back within striking distance, they would hammer down a couple of unanswered baskets. With an iron tight grip, the Ceska Republic would not let go of the lead and would finally beat Australia in a must win match by 3 points.
Both sides had great contributors but the MVP of the match was Urbánek
(10942075) as Australia failed to contain him. He was the difference as he was unstoppable with 28 points, 13 rebounds (5 o-boards) and 4 assists. With the most crucial group game done and dusted for both sides, Australia will be likely looking at joining the consolation tournament with a 0-2 start while the Ceska Republic will be going back to defend their world cup unless a major upset happens tonight.