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The Boomers have fallen in a close FIBA World Cup encounter with Germany despite a gallant fight from Patty Mills, who scored 21 points.
Despite a slow start by the Boomers that saw them concede the first six points, Mills recovered strongly, scoring their first 13 points, eight of them consecutively.
Ultimately, Germany held on for an 85-82 victory, with Boomers star Josh Giddey blowing up at the referees after he believed he was fouled when attempting a shot on the buzzer.
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NBL winning coach Trevor Glesson thought the right call was made, despite Australia’s protests.
“I think it might have been after the buzzer, definitely got contact but I definitely believe it was after the buzzer,” he said on ESPN.
“I didn’t see a slow motion replay on that but the defender should be keeping the hands down and you live with that.”
The Boomers outscored Germany at the first break, up by just one point, 25-24.
Germany got on top in the second quarter, but Mills and Xavier Cooks had a massive impact keeping the Boomers alive despite the fall away.
The Europeans then snatched the lead after an impressive defensive effort, restricting the Boomers to just 19 points in the second term, with a 49-44 scoreline at the main break.
By the end of the third quarter, Australia strangled back a 66-62 lead. However, Germany kept it close.
Mills starts in style
With Australia trailing 83-82, a Giddey miss off a free throw proved costly with 30 seconds remaining.
Germany then pushed forward to extend the lead before Giddey’s last-ditch effort failed.
Dennis Schroder was the star for Germany, claiming 30 points.
The Boomers currently sit second in Group E but Finland and Japan’s game will have an affect on that. Their final game will be against Japan where they’ll need a big win.
