Indiana University Athletics
Allen Helps Australia to Top Spot in Group A
8/6/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Aug. 6, 2005
CORDOBA, Argentina - Freshman Ben Allen and the Australian Young Men's Team (the Crocs) moved into first place in Group A at the FIBA Under-21 World Championship. The Crocs defeated Canada, 88-71, to improve to 2-0 in group play. Allen was one of five Crocs in double figures finishing with 10 points and six rebounds.
Australia jumped out to a 13-point lead after the opening period of play. Canada was able to cut the deficit to 10 by halftime at 45-35, but Australia went on to outscore the Canadians, 43-36, in the second half.
Allen helped the Crocs dominate the paint as he went 4-of-9 from the field. The Melbourne native also was 2-of-3 from the free throw line. He played a total of 28 minutes and finished with an assist.
Brad Newley and Aaron Bruce led Australia with 18 points apiece. Steven Markovic and Brad Hill each finished in double figures for the Crocs with 10 and 11 points, respectively.
Also in Group A action, Greece, who the Crocs defeated on the opening night of the Championship, defeated host Argentina, 63-59. Israel picked up a forfeit victory over Iran to improve to 1-1 in the group. By virtue from its victory against Canada, Australia is nearly assured a spot in the quarterfinals. In Group B action, Nigeria beat China, 87-81, the U.S. upended Lithuania, 103-83, and Puerto Rico defeated Slovenia, 71-50.
Australia will improve to 3-0 at the World Championship on Sunday when they will be awarded a forfeit victory over Iran. The Iranian team failed to gain visas for the World Championship in Argentina and thus forfeited its five Group A games.
The Crocs will have two days off with the Iran forfeit on Sunday and a rest day on Monday. Australia will face Israel on Aug. 9 at 4:15 p.m. CT. The final Group A game for the Crocs will be on Aug. 10 against host Argentina at 6:30 p.m. CT. IUHOOSIERS.com will continue to track the progress of Allen and Australia throughout the FIBA U21 World Championship.
