Thu. Nov 21st, 2024
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The Boomers have beaten Georgia 100-84, ending their FIBA World Cup campaign on a high, despite missing the chance to win a medal.

Earlier defeats to Germany and Slovenia meant this final pool-stage match in Okinawa was a virtual dead rubber.

But despite falling short against those higher ranked teams, Australia still wanted to end the tournament on a high, which is exactly what the Olympic bronze medallists managed.

Patty Mills led the side with 19 points, while Dante Exum added 18 and Duop Reath 16 — including a perfect three-point shooting display of three from three — as five Aussie players hit double figures.

Josh Giddey had 15 points with four assists, while Joe Ingles made 10 points with a team-high six assists.

Giddey, 20, ended his tournament with 20.5  points per game and 6.5 assists per game, leading Australia at the tournament, the youngest ever player to do so.

Josh Giddey shoots
Josh Giddey was the youngest player to top score for Australia at a major tournament.(AP Photo: Hiro Komae)

Despite missing out on a quarterfinal berth and a chance to better their fourth-placed finish last time out, Australia have confirmed their spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics after finishing higher then New Zealand.

Although there will be huge disappointment not to have made the knockout rounds, falling short against teams they will have to beat to be in medal contention in Paris, the Boomers will look forward to next year’s competition.

“It’s definitely a disappointing result [to leave the World Cup without a medal],” Mills said post-game on ESPN.

“But it was important to us as a playing group that we came out and finished this thing right, finish with a win.

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