The Boomers have bounced back from a poor shooting game against Brazil to defeat South Sudan 88-67 in their final exhibition match in Melbourne.
With Joe Ingles being managed with a knee complaint, the Boombers ran with a new-look side for their final hit-out ahead of next week’s FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Houston Rockets star Jock Landale came in as the team’s starting centre. Under an existing injury cloud, Landale had sat out both of Australia’s opening two warm-up matches.
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Dallas Mavericks’ guard Josh Green was also brought into the fold to start the game.
The Boomers overcame a nervous start to take control.
But the team’s World Cup hopes were dealt a massive blow early when Landale limped from the court and down the tunnel after landing awkwardly on his left ankle while trying to make a block.
“That didn’t look good,” Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze said in commentary on Nine.
“[Landale] knows he has a problem. He’s not even going to the bench, he’s just heading straight for the tunnel.”
The 27-year-old did not return to the Boomers’ bench and was not seen again on the broadcast.
With a short turnaround to the World Cup, Gaze suggested that Landale may have left the stadium to undergo some scans or treatment.
“They want to try and diagnose the problem as quick as they possibly can to make sure that they put the appropriate measures in place to get him right,” he said post-match.
“Hopefully it’s just a tweak of the ankle — a couple of days off, a bit of rest, strap it up and you’re good to go.”
The Australians led by 10 points at the first break as they tightened their efforts in defence and the ball began to drop in offence before the Boomers brought South Sudan to a standstill in the second quarter.
The margin blew out to 19 points at half time despite South Sudan matching Australia in the closing stages of the half.
Nick Kay also left the court temporarily to receive treatment after copping a stray elbow that drew blood.
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Providing some much-needed height in the absence of Landale, Harry Wessels subbed in to make his Boomers debut in the third term and scored his first points.
Australia continued its assault after half time, maintaining their defensive pressure to finish with a supreme scoreline.
Speaking afterwards, Gaze reflected on Australia’s 2-1 record at Rod Laver Arena this past week.
“[Boomers coach] Brian Goorjian would appreciate the three games. [He] got to have a look at a variety of different combinations, saw where there are some deficiencies and where they need to make some improvements,” he said.
Watch the Boomers take on France LIVE and exclusive on Nine and on 9Now.
The Boomers’ 13-player extended squad will leave for Tokyo, Japan on Friday morning in preparation for their final two warm-up matches against France and Georgia.
Goorjian still needs to make one more cut to complete his playing final roster ahead of the World Cup.
The Aussies will face Finland in their opening World Cup group match on August 25.
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