FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019: Australia take over fourth quarter to defeat Canada in World Cup opener

Benyam Kidane

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FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019: Australia take over fourth quarter to defeat Canada in World Cup opener image

The Australian Boomers tipped off their FIBA Basketball World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 108-92 win over Canada.

Matthew Dellavedova led the Aussies with 24 points, helping lead Australia's resurgent fourth-quarter run, which saw them outscore Canada 32-15.

Khem Birch led Canada with 18 points, while Cory Joseph finished with 16 and Kevin Pangos 14 and eight assists.

If you missed any of the action, we had you covered with live stats, updates, highlights and more from today's game.

Box Score  |  Play-by-play

Final: Australia 108, Canada 92

The Boomers began the fourth quarter with a renewed intensity, led by some big-time shot-making from Matthew Dellavedova. 

He finished with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting, knocking down 6-of-10 from the three-point line.

Four other Aussies scored in double figures with Joe Ingles recording 13 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Chris Goulding had 16, Mills 13 and Bogut 12.

Kevin Pangos and Khem Birch combined for the highlight of the quarter, with this slick play.

End of third quarter: Canada 77, Australia 76

After trailing by 12 at the half, the Canadians take a one-point lead into the fourth.

Canada started the period on an 11-0 run, with buckets from Birch, Joseph, Pangos and Kyle Wiltjer to cut Australia's lead to 52-51, before a Dellaveodva three stopped the run

They picked up the defensive intensity, scoring seven points off turnovers as they hounded the Aussies on the perimeter.

Pangos gave them the lead 58-55 with a three, with 6:51 remaining, breathing life into the contest.

The Canadians kept up the pressure, leading the quarter 25-7, getting to the rim with ease, while the Aussie struggled to contain them on the three-point line.

Bogut lifted the Aussies in the defensive end, however he left the game with what appeared to be a nose injury.

Cory Joseph, Kevin Pangos and Khem Birch have 14 points each to lead the Canadians, while Matthew Dellavedova leads the Aussies with 15 points. Chris Goulding has 14, Patty Mills 11, Joe Ingles 10 and Andrew Bogut 10.

Half-time: Australia 52, Canada 40

Australia started the quarter with two turnovers, as Cory Joseph made them pay with three early buckets.

Joseph went to the bench with 7:40 remaining in the quarter with his third foul, with Canada again continuing with foul trouble in the second quarter. Coach Nick Nurse picked up a technical as well.

Ingles leads all scorers with 10 points and three assists, while Landale and Mills have eight apiece.


Mills has the Aussies firing with his penetration and playmaking, combining with Andrew Bogut for a highlight-reel alley-oop jam.

Cory Joseph leads the Canadians with eight points, while Kevin Pangos has seven.

End of first quarter: Australia 29 Canada 20

The Boomers got out to a fast start in the first quarter behind some red-hot shooting from three, knocking down 3-of-4 from deep, thanks to Ingles, Landale and Goulding at the buzzer.

Australia's aggressive approach saw them shoot 10 free throws, getting into the bonus with five minutes remaining.

Goulding leads all scorers with 7 points on 3-of-3, while Landale added six.

Canada cut Australia's lead to just two points, thanks to buckets from Brady Heslip and Phill Scrubb, before the Boomers hit back.

Ejim drains the triple!

Starting Lineups

Australia:  Matthew Dellavedova, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles, Aron Baynes, Jock Landale

Canada:  Kevin Pangos, Cory Joseph, Melvin Ejim, Khem Birch, Kyle Wiltjer

Pre-game

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.