Posted on 31 March, 2010
Courtesy of Basketball Australia – www.basketball.net.au
USC Heidelberg too strong for Emus
01.04.10
The Emus travelled to the beautiful city of Heidelberg for the second of their preparation games for the Albert Schweitzer Tournament but overnight the Australians were overpowered 101-70 by their opponents USC Heidelberg who play in the second division of the German Bundesliga.
Anthony Drmic top-scored for the Emus with 18 points. Daniel Trist added 15 points and Mitch Creek 13 points (six rebounds).
The game started at a very fast tempo with the local team gaining the ascendency in the early stages of the game. The Emus had many opportunities but struggled to find their range. Despite the up-tempo defence of the Emus, Heidelberg continued to dominate the game and lead 30 – 14 at the end of the first quarter.
A positive start in the second quarter by the Emus, through strong rebounding and excellent ball movement, enabled the Emus to close within 8 points midway through the quarter. However, Heidelberg found their range late in the term, combined with some poor blocking out by the Aussies and went to the half time break leading 53 – 37.
The second half saw an undisciplined start by the Emus on the offensive end which enabled the opposition to push the score out to 67 – 44 midway through the third quarter. Despite the Emus efforts to curb their opponents scoring, Heidelberg continued to dominate and lead 78 – 48 at the start of the final quarter.
The Emus were able to slow the scoring opportunities of Heidelberg through their extended pressure defence in the final quarter.
“‘Although disappointing to lose by a large margin the Emus must take into account the experience of the opposition and there is no doubt there were some positive strides from the first game” said Coach Damian Cotter.
The Emus next game will be their final outing before the Albert Schweitzer Tournament when they take on Japan in Mannheim on Thursday.
1st Quarter: 30 – 14
2nd Quarter: 55 – 37 (25 – 23)
3rd Quarter: 78 – 48 (23 – 11)
4th Quarter: 101 – 70 (23 – 22)
*Please note no box score was provided
Emus fall to Germany
31.03.10
The Australian U19 Men’s Team (Emus) have been defeated by Germany overnight in Mannheim 65 – 50 in the first of their preparation games before the start of the Albert Schweitzer Tournament on Saturday.
Jackson Aldridge top scored with 12 points followed by Igor Hadziomerovicwith eight points and Hugh Greenwood with seven points.
Both teams started slowly with the Emus struggling to contain the penetration from the German guards. The Emus tried to take the initiative by extending their defence but finished the first quarter down 19 to 15.
The Aussies unfortunately were unable to convert many opportunities in the second quarter and only through their defensive pressure were they able to stay close to the German score. Germany led at halftime 29 – 26.
The Emus came out after halftime with more determination and took the lead mid-way through the quarter. However, after some poor containment of dribble penetration and closeouts the German team regained the ascendancy leading 53 – 45 at the end of the third quarter.
The Australians tired in the final quarter and struggled to find any rhythm in their game. The German team ended the game winning by 15 points.
The Emus next game will be against USC Heidelberg (2nd Division – German League) in Heidelberg on Wednesday.
1st Quarter: 19 – 15
2nd Quarter: 29 – 26 (10 – 11)
3rd Quarter: 53 – 45 (24 – 19)
4th Quarter: 65 – 50 (12 – 5)
*please note no box score was provided from Germany
