POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Sean Mullan
New Caledonia - Australia 57:60
New Caledonia gave Australia some major scare late in the game before losing the battle in the second round of action at the Oceania tournament in Saipan. Australia seemed to be en route to a comfortable win during three quarters but wasted all of their lead in the fourth period before narrowly escaping at the end. The victory propelled the Aussie team to a 2-0 record, while New Caledonia slipped at 0-1.
Australia got to the better start as they grabbed an 8-point lead after the opening period. The tempo decreased in the second frame but Australia managed to maintain the advantage. They arrived at halftime up by 11 points. Australia kept their opponents at bay in the third frame. The Aussies overcame 11 turnovers to secure a 15-point lead with one quarter to go. But New Caledonia were not about to surrender. They limited their opponents to just a single field goal in the fourth period to trim the deficit. New Caledonia pulled within three with under a minute left. Australia missed four consecutive free throws in the dying seconds providing New Caledonia with a healthy chance to save the game. But Thomas Daly stepped up with a decisive steal in the final seconds to ensure the winning outcome for Australia.
Thomas Daly finished with 12 points to lead the winners. Jan Warbout had 10 points for Australia. Emmanuel Souria-Ouamba responded with game-high 19 points for New Caledonia. Rodrigue Tetainanuarii (203-F-82) canned 17 points in defeat.
New Caledonia: Emmanuel Souria-Ouamba 19, Rodrigue Tetainanuarii 17
Australia: Sean Mullan (-F-90) 13, Thomas Daly 12, Jan Warbout 10
