Gems and Emus seal game two and three to qualify for World Championships

A 27-13 opening term set things up for the Gems in their game three victory over the Junior Tall Ferns and they seemed poised to break away with a big win.

But New Zealand struck back in the second, outscoring the Gems by eight to go into the half-time break down by six and within striking distance. The Gems came out of the change-rooms like they did in the first, and set about attacking the New Zealand defence. They blew the lead back out to 22 with a huge 28-12 third quarter, ultimately running away with the 80-64 victory.

Rebecca Cole was impressive for the Gems, notching up a game-high 16 points. Nadeen Payne was also impressive with 11 points.

The Gems were simply too good from the field, out-gunning the Junior Tall Ferns thanks to 45 per cent shooting from the floor and 93 per cent from the charity stripe. The Aussies were also too strong on the glass, out-rebounding New Zealand 43-29, on their way to a series-winning victory.

For the men, a 36-9 third quarter stamped the Emus domination of the Junior Tall Blacks in their game two victory. The Emus got out to a quick, 10-point lead at the first break, which was extended to 16 at the half. Led by rising stars Hugh Greenwood (20 points) and Mitch Creek (17 points and five assists), the Emus emerged from the long break on a mission ­– to put the big win beyond any reasonable doubt. After another big final quarter, the Emus ran away with a 107-51 win.

The Australians were devastating offensively, particularly in the paint, shooting at 51 per cent from the field, enjoying 15 more looks at the basket than New Zealand. They had 34 more points in the key, and were equally as impressive around the basket at the defensive end of the floor, making buckets hard to come by for the New Zealanders.

The Emus were even more impressive on the boards than the Gems had been, taking a 55-31 rebounding advantage, with 17-8 on the offensive glass.

Game three was equally as impressive, with the Emus holding New Zealand to 10 points or less in each of the first three quarters, on their way to a 94-46 victory. Hugh Greenwood was again dominant, top-scoring for the Emus with 13 points, this time assisted by Owen Odigie, who finished with 12.

The double series-sweeps solidify Australia’s impressive standing on the Junior International hardwood, form they will want to take into next year’s World Championships, the women playing in Chile and the men headed to Latvia. 

To view today’s games live on Fiba Live Stats, click here.