ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) – Australia aced arguably their toughest test to date by getting through Lebanon, 73-61, to reach the FIBA U16 Asia Cup 2025 Quarter-Finals, Tuesday at the Buyant Ukhaa Sport Complex.
After producing an average of 136.0 points in their first two outings, the Crocs found themselves in a tight encounter versus the young Cedars but still found ways to succeed, especially down the stretch.
The Lebanese cut the gap to a single digit with 4:05 left but Tom Dammers sank one from deep, before Alex Edwards and Isaiah Jorgenson came through as the crew ended the game with an 8-0 run to finish strongly.
As a result, the four-peat seekers clinched the no. 1 spot in Group A with an immaculate 3-0 record, and became the second team after Japan to qualify directly to the final eight scheduled on September 5.
Jorgenson led Australia with 20 points and 6 rebounds, while Dammers delivered 16 points behind a perfect 4-of-4 clip from three as the two carried much of the load offensively for the squad of Coach Greg Vanderjagt.
Now they wait for their foes in the Quarter-Finals, where they will take on the winner between the second-best team in Group C and the no. 3 team of Group D in the Qualification to Quarter-Finals on September 4.
Johnny Sawma led the Lebanese’ gallant stand with 22 points and 5 rebounds, with Charbel El Herera adding 14 points but their efforts weren’t enough as the team ended the Group Phase with back-to-back losses.
They’re now sitting at 1-2 and their finish will depend on the result of the meeting between Bahrain and India later at 14:00 local time. The Bahrainis tote a 1-1 card after beating Lebanon some 24 hours ago, 70-68.
*This article will be updated.