AUSTRALIA started the game firing from all cylinders before having just enough left in the end game to hold off Spain, 92-80, in Group A of the 2024 Paris Olympics Men’s Basketball tournament in the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in France.
Jock Landale and Patty Mills took command in the end game, with Landale powering an 11-2 run late for the Boomers as they turned a precarious 75-71 lead to a commanding 86-73 spread with a little over two minutes remaining.
The Spaniards had one last fight in them, as they responded with seven straight points capped off by a Santi Aldama three to trim the Australia lead down to six, 86-80, with 44 seconds remaining.
But the ever reliable Mills averted a late meltdown for the Boomers as he drained a three-pointer with 24 seconds left to salvage the game for Tokyo’s bronze medallists.
Landale led the way with 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists while Mills added 19 points on 3-6 shooting from downtown.
Josh Giddey, the newest member of the Chicago Bulls, also had himself a solid all-around game as he finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, most of which coming from the big first half where they led by as many as 14 points before holding off every Spaniard rally in the second half.
Memphis Grizzlies' Santi Aldama led Spain with 27 points anchored on six treys, while veteran guard Sergio Llull added 17 in the losing effort.
In the other Group A match-up, Shai Gilgeous Alexander and Canada will take on Giannis Antetekounmpo and Greece on Sunday 3 A.M.
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