Boomers thrash China for first win + VIDEO

A final quarter defensive masterclass from the Australia Boomers has seen them record the first win of their London campaign, thrashing China 81-61.

BOXSCORE

The Boomers kept the Chinese to just 8 points in the final period, with the first basket taking more than six minutes of playing time, to ensure a commanding 20-point win and give the side a shot of confidence heading into their two remaining pool games.

After hitting 1-of-14 from long range heading into the China clash, Patty Mills responded in style with 4-from-8 from downtown on his way to a team-high 20 points.

David Andersen was again pivotal at both ends of the court, scoring 17 points and raking in 7 rebounds, while Joe Ingles (13 points 7 rebounds), Mark Worthington (7 points 8 rebounds) and Aron Baynes (8 points in 10 mins of court time) were notable contributors.

It was a typically dogged defensive start to the game from the Boomers, with China struggling for rhythm until Shipeng Wang began to light it up from outside the arc, taking away the Australian momentum.

The Chinese sharp-shooter had four first quarter three pointers with the Boomers struggling from outside, trailing 22-21 at the end of the first period.

After struggling from the field in the first two games of the tournament star guard Patty Mills began to find his feet, scoring 12 first half points as the Boomers looked to take the ascendency early in the second quarter.

Led by the excitement machine Joe Ingles (9 first half points), the Boomers stretched the lead toward double digits as David Andersen showed why he is such a vital cog in the Australian machine, scoring 15 of his 17 points in the first half.

The Boomers went into the dressing rooms for half time leading their Asian rivals 49-33, outscoring their opponents 28-11 for the quarter.

After being held scoreless in the second period, Wang came out with the hot hand again to start the second half, hitting back-to-back three pointers to cut the lead to 9 points early in the quarter.

Determine to shake their third quarter blues the Boomers lifted a gear to hold off the Chinese charge, with Ingles and Baynes getting offensive rewards for exceptional defensive pressure.

A late rally from China saw the lead get within 8 points at the end of the third period, cutting the margin in half.

Defensive pressure was the theme to start the final quarter with the Boomers swarming the Chinese players, leading to their 19 turnovers for the game.

The convincing win by the Boomers has them set to seal a quarter final berth with victory over Great Britain in their next pool match.