Despite losing on Friday, Australia secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Olympic Games, thanks to a timely win by Canada to conclude the preliminary round.
The Boomers failed to capitalize on their opportunity to advance to the knockout round after losing 77-71 to Greece in Lille, France. The group was down by as many as 19 points and never led in the contest, dropping to 1-2 in the opening round.
Instead, Australia was sent through to the quarterfinals after Canada held on to beat Spain 88-85 and claim Group A with a 3-0 record. The team won the tiebreaker because of its point differential advantage over Greece and Spain, who also finished 1-2.
Chance delivered. The Boomers are heading to a QF
🫡🍁#WeAreBasketball | #GoBoomers | #AllezAUS pic.twitter.com/tcg2bAKOf9
— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) August 2, 2024
Houston Rockets forward Jock Landale led Australia in the group round, averaging 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey averaged 15 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists, and Patty Mills posted 13.3 points per game.
With the help from Canada, Australia advances to the quarterfinals of the Olympics for the fifth consecutive time. The group posted its highest finish in the Games in 2020 when it claimed the bronze medal after posting a 5-1 record.
Australia is one of six countries that have clinched a berth in the quarterfinals, which begin on Tuesday. The remaining two spots will be decided on Saturday.
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