FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019: Matthew Dellavedova scores 24 points to lead Australia past Canada in World Cup opener

Benyam Kidane

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FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019: Matthew Dellavedova scores 24 points to lead Australia past Canada in World Cup opener image

The Australian Boomers got their World Cup campaign off to a strong start, defeating Canada 108-92 in Dongguan, China.

After Australia took a 12-point lead into half-time, Canada turned the game on its head, outscoring the Australians 37-24 in the third quarter to take a one-point lead into the fourth.

Point guard Matthew Dellavedova caught fire down the stretch, leading the Boomers' fightback with some big plays on both ends. He led the Aussies with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting, including 6-of-10 from beyond the arc.


 

Joe Ingles kept the Boomers' offence ticking over, recording nine assists to go with 13 points and five rebounds, while Chris Goulding came off the bench with 16 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field.

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

Australia got off to a fast start in the first quarter, with Jock Landale making his presence felt in the paint. Australia's aggressive approach saw them shoot 10 free throws, getting into the bonus with five minutes remaining.

Cory Joseph sparked the Canadians in the second with three early buckets, before Patty Mills helped restore the double-digit lead.

Whatever coach Nick Nurse said to the Canadians at half-time worked as they raced out 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.

Canada picked up the intensity on the defensive end, getting out in transition as they went on a 22-5 run. They finished the quarter with 37 points to take a one-point lead into the fourth.

Aron Baynes, Patty Mills and Dellavedova combined to help Australia open the fourth quarter on an 11-2 run to restore the Boomers' double-digit advantage as Canada struggled to knock down shots.

Canada takes on Lithuania on Tuesday, while the Boomers face Senegal, with the top two teams from Group H advancing. 

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.