The Australian men's basketball team have suffered a disappointing 87-81 loss to Finland after fighting back in the final quarter to force the game into overtime.
Aron Baynes was the star for the Australians, finishing with a game-high 22 points on a remarkable 10-of-11 shooting to go with 11 rebounds in 25 minutes.
The 27-year-old NBA champion was supported by Brock Motum with 12 points and four rebounds, Joe Ingles with 10 points and four assists, and Dante Exum with 10 points.
Australia took an early 9-2 lead in Tuesday's match in Helsinki, but Finland rallied hard to take a 17-16 lead into the first break, before dominating the second phase with 23 points to the Boomer's 11.
Finland entered the final quarter with a 14-point lead, but the hosts' confidence ebbed as the Boomers went on a 12-1 run to close out regulation and force overtime.
However, the visitors were unable to keep up the momentum, as Finland dominated the extra time, outscoring the Australians 15-9.
The result followed Australia's 91-78 loss to Lithuania in Klaipeda on Monday, and brings their pre-FIBA Basketball World Cup tour record to 2-2.
They next head to France for a three-game tournament in Nice, where they face Ukraine, The Philippines and France.
Share
