Australia Falls to Turkey at FIBA U-19 Worlds

Heraklion, Crete – Despite a team-high 14 points from incoming freshman Jack McVeigh, Australia fell to Turkey 81-70 early Friday at the FIBA Under-19 World Championships.

McVeigh, who is averaging 11.4 points on 47 percent shooting and 6.0 rebounds per game during the tournament, led Australia in scoring for the second straight game, but a third-quarter run by Turkey turned the tide in the quarterfinal matchup.

Australia, which used a 7-0 spurt to close the first half with a 32-31 lead, eventually extended the 11 points, at 43-34, midway through the third quarter.

Unfortunately, the lead would be short-lived, as Turkey closed the third quarter on a 21-2 surge to take a 55-45 lead, and Australia was unable to cut into the double-figure deficit the remainder of the contest.

With today’s loss, Australia will play in the consolation bracket on Saturday against Canada. The two teams met in Group play last Saturday with Canada earning a 74-71 win.