AUS - Boomers lose in overtime

ZHEJIANG (FIBA Oceania Championship) - Australia lost 99-97 in overtime to a Russian team at the Boris Stankovic Cup in China.

The Boomers, preparing for the FIBA Oceania Championship Olympic qualifiers with New Zealand, rallied to wipe out a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but were then edged out in the extra period by a young Russian side, which is a different squad to that preparing for the EuroBasket under David Blatt.

Australia were 71-59 down going into the final period of regulation, but they opened on a 10-0 run and were soon tied at 73-73.

Once in overtime, Russia had edged ahead once again until Australia tied it at 96-96.

Both teams had their chances in the final seconds, but it was Russia who took theirs.

Mark Worthington led Australia with 25 points, while Peter Crawford added 17.

Kasilov Kashirov led Russia with 31 points while pulling down 13 rebounds. Igor Smygin added 17. 

"We had some lapses defensively, which was the most disappointing part of the game," said Boomers coach Brett Brown. "But we pressed, and to the fellas' credit, got back in the game but we just couldn't close it out in the end.

"I was proud of my guys, it was a great game - this was a strong Russian team.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for some of these players - we have New Zealand in September and it's just great to play against a fantastic basketball nation this early.

"And we are seeing some real positive signs along the way."

FIBA