The Australian U19 Men's basketball team, The Emus, have kick-started their 2011 World Championship campaign in scintillating form, beating Argentina in their opening match-up of the tournament, 73-49.

Anthony Drmic was unstoppable, top-scoring for the game with 25 points, shooting 75 per cent from the field, including five-of-eight from beyond the three-point line. Team captain Hugh Greenwood was next best with 18 points, while Mitch Creek finished with eight points and seven rebounds.

The Emus extended their lead at every break of the game, but the most damage was reserved for the first and last periods. In the first term, The Emus exploded out of the gates, finding strong scoring options in their transition offence, while maintaining a strong half-court execution. Despite some breakdowns in their defence, The Emus were able to open up a 10-point lead by the first break, before going into the first-quarter huddle in front 17-10.

The Emus defence would continue to suffocate Argentina in the second, the South Americans again held to just 10 points for the period. Argentina themselves shifted into a zone defense which slowed down the momentum of the game, helping to keep the Aussies in touch. Failure to convert from the stripe prevented the Aussies from breaking clear, but they still maintained a handy 12-point lead going into the change rooms.

A tight and gritty third period saw buckets hard to come by. There was plenty of physicality at both ends of the floor as both teams tried to gain the ascendency early in the term. However, some long range shooting from both Drmic and Greenwood kept the Argentineans at bay and allowed The Emus to finish the quarter with a thirteen point lead.

The flood-gates opened for the Aussies in the final term. They put in a strong defensive effort, and that opened up opportunities at the offensive end of the floor. They dropped 29 points for the quarter to run away 24-point winners, a confidence-boosting win for the side as they prepare to do battle against the host nation, Latvia, tonight.

Head coach Damian Cotter asked his side to make the extra pass and the young squad responded, dishing out 16 assists to just seven by their opponent. They also took care of the ball, keeping their turnovers down to just six for the game.

Cotter was very pleased with the result and attributed the win to the fact that the team had been able to defend well throughout the game.

"We need to be a little better with executing in the half court and at converting our free throw opportunities," he said. "We are looking forward to the challenge of playing the home team tomorrow."

The Emus second game in the preliminary round of 2011 FIBA U19 Men’s World Championship is against host nation Latvia at 3.30am AEST tomorrow morning.

Australia 73 (Drmic 25, Greenwood 18) defeated Argentina 49 (Massarelli 16, Gallizzi 10)

1^st Quarter: 17 - 10        

2^nd Quarter: 32 - 20 (15 - 10)

3^rd Quarter: 44 - 31 (12 - 11)

4^th Quarter: 73 - 49 (29 - 18

Media Release: Basketball Australia

www.basketball.net.au