Thrilling game for Maccabiah basketballers
Basketballer Benji Tamir in action during Australia's youth basketball match against Israeli at the Maccabiah Games.
DANIEL GARB IN WINGATE
AUSTRALIA’S junior basketball team lost narrowly to Argentina 75-72 in a tense and at times spiteful game last week. With the banging of South American drums competing with a healthy support crew of green and gold fans, it was a balmy atmosphere for a game that had a lot riding on it.
Australia got off to a fast start, with speedy guard Marcel Ninio a constant threat offensively in the early stages.
Argentina managed to find their range as half time approached, bringing the margin back to just one point at the major break.
That trend continued in the second half with the Argentines breaking out to a seven-point lead nearing three quarter time, but a big three-pointer from Myles Miller on the buzzer reduced that gap and gave Australia the momentum heading into the last.
It was a gutsy last quarter from the Aussie boys with star Ori Handelsmann battling hard to keep his side in the game along with forward Zac Fehily who put on an oustanding rebounding display underneath the basket.
The Argentines have developed a reputation for being overly aggressive and testing the lines of sportsmanship with fake injuries.
The loss means the Aussies need to cause a shock upset and beat Israel or hope that Brazil defeats the Argentines to make the semi-finals.
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