The Gliders progressed to the semi-finals of the 2008 Joseph F. Lyttle World Basketball Challenge in Warm Springs, Georgia undefeated after flogging Mexico 49-27 in their quarter final clash this morning.

It was again the Aussies defensive intensity that laid the platform for the win, forcing Mexico into a massive 34 turnovers. The comfortable 22-point win sets up a semi-final clash with Germany later this afternoon.

“We couldn’t get into our rhythm missing easy baskets but we will take the win,” Head Coach Gerry Hewson, who used the one sided affair to give all his players even court time in light of their crucial game later that afternoon, said.

Sarah Stewart continued her strong tournament, scoring a game high 12 points while Katie Hill and Kathleen O’Kelly Kennedy each added six points.

The opening term was tough for the Gliders who lost key player Shelley Chaplin to a shoulder injury early. Cobi Crispin was injected in place of Chaplin and immediately stepped up, the Gliders up 13-6 after a quarter.

The Gliders began to click in second quarter and with every player seeing court time and making contributions, they outscored Mexico 12-7 to lead 25-13 at halftime.

The Australians continued to dominate the game after the main break and while their defence only allowed their opponents a miserly four points for the term they didn’t always reward themselves at the offensive end.

The Gliders netted 26 points from the Mexican turnovers and also forced them in a series of shot clock violations. Hewson continued to utilise varying player combination, giving his young chargers important experience on the international scene.

Chaplin’s availability for the semi-final was yet to be determined.

Australia 49 (Stewart 12, Hill 6, Kathleen O’Kelly Kennedy 6) d
Mexico 27 (Torres 8, Vazquez 8).

Qrt 1 AUS 13 – MEX 6
Qrt 2 AUS 25 (12) – MEX 13 (7)
Qrt 3 AUS 37 (12) – MEX 17 (4)
Qrt 4 AUS 49 (12) – MEX 27 (10)