Emus overpowered by Spain in Game 3 of AST

The Australian U19 Men’s Team, The Emus came up against a very talented and physical Spanish team in Game 3 of the preliminary round in the Albert Schweitzer Tournament, a game in which the Emus found the going very difficult, Spain winning the game 78–57.

Anthony Fisher was again the leading scorer for the Emus with 14 points followed by Josh Oswald who had 10 points and Jack Lopez and Emmett Naar both finished with 8 points each. Juan Sebastian Saiz top scored for Spain with 15 points. Spain also out-rebounded Australia 52 to 32.

Once again the Emus were jumped at the start of the game, Spain going out to a 13–3 start. A quick time out by Head Coach Damian Cotter saw the Emus back on the scoreboard but the zone defence of the Spanish began to disrupt the Emus and saw Spain go into the first break leading 22–11.

The Emus struggled to contain the dribble penetration of the Spanish side and their well-drilled pick-and-roll offence. The Emus also had problems finding the basket, shooting only 26 per cent from the field during the first half compared to Spain's 51 per cent. Half time Spain led the Australians 42–20.

The Emus started the third quarter strongly with four defensive stops but unfortunately could only connect with one field goal during this time. The Emus continued to apply defensive pressure as the quarter evolved and when Lopez hit back to back threes followed by an Oswald three the Emus suddenly saw the gap start to close. A time out by Spain had the desired effect and slowed the Emus comeback. Spain going into the final break leading 61–40.

The Emus tried hard in the final quarter to narrow the margin but the well drilled and talented Spanish team kept their composure and overpowered the young Australians to comfortably win the game 78–57.

The Emus opponents in phase two of the tournament will be against Denmark (Wednesday) and Greece (Thursday).

Final Score: Spain 78 defeated Australia 57

1st Quarter: 22–11
2nd Quarter: 42–20 (20–9)
3rd Quarter: 61–40 (19–20)
4th Quarter: 78–57 (17–17)