Australia claim the U16 Asian title after routing China in Final

FOSHAN (FIBA U16 Asian Championship) - Australia leaned on the efforts of Luke Travers, Tamuri Wigness and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk in their successful title-clinching win over China at the U16 Asian Final.

China leapt to a strong start in this one, establishing their big men in the paint and leading 23-17 after the first quarter, but the Aussies buckled down to work and showed the hosts who was boss in the second period, where the Crocs outscored the Chinese, 21-11. Luke Travers was the one doing majority of the damage in the first half, scoring almost at will and making one big defensive stop after another. Australia led at the half, 38-34.

When the third period began, China once again went on a roll, but the Crocs responded well and took a commanding 11-point lead into fourth period thanks to the hot outside shooting of Lo Buluk. In the final frame, it was Wigness's turn to take over, leading Australia's final charge and a lead that reached as many as 28 points. By the middle of the fourth quarter, the outcome was beyond doubt as Australia pocketed the U16 Asian title in their first ever campaign.

Travers was a whirling dervish of energy for Australia, putting up 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks, while Wani Swaka Lo Buluk added 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. For his part, Wigness contributed 20 points, 7 assists, 5 boards and 2 steals in a terrific effort.

China, meanwhile, just could not keep up with Australia's length and energy, turning the ball over 17 times. Sun Haoqin paced China with 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals, while frontliners Aizimaiti Aizimaiti and Jiao Boqiao tallied 13 and 10 points respectively.

Australia and China will be joined by New Zealand and the Philippines at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2018 in Argentina later this year.

FIBA