Boomers brace for tough World Cup test

Australia's basketballers face their toughest test so far at the World Cup in Spain when they meet fourth-ranked Lithuania on Tuesday.

Moon Tae-jong (R) of South Korea in action against Joe Ingles

Australia's basketballers have said they are ready to play Lithuania at the basketball World Cup. (AAP)

The Boomers' bid to make a mark at the basketball World Cup faces a moment of truth when they meet heavyweights Lithuania in a pivotal group stage clash.

Australia put their campaign back on track with a 34-point thumping of South Korea on Sunday but face a significant step up in class against the world's fourth-ranked side on Tuesday (Wednesday morning AEST).

The Boomers have made no secret of their ambition to leave Spain with a first ever World Cup medal and their third group game in Gran Canaria is must-win if they are to have a chance of topping their group - a feat not managed in ten appearances at the tournament.

While Australia were upset by Slovenia in their opening match, Lithuania have opened with victories over Mexico and Angola.

However the 2013 European championship runners-up have not been completely convincing and are without their captain and key man Mantas Kalnietis, who was ruled out of the tournament with a collarbone injury.

"It's a big loss for them and we will spend time scouting how they're going without him," Australian head coach Andrej Lemanis said.

"Obviously it changes them a little bit but they're still a very, very good team.

"... They're a big team and defensively they manage to turn you over a lot.

"So we've got to do a good job of taking care of the basketball and make it a bit of a grinding game."

Australia raced to a 10-point lead against Korea and were never really threatened, dominating them on the boards with 47 rebounds to 18.

Veteran Joe Ingles top scored with 17 points while San Antonio Spurs centre Aron Baynes, the standout against Slovenia, was again a key contributor with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Lemanis continues to ease exciting teenager Dante Exum into action.

The 19-year-old Utah Jazz NBA draft pick played almost 13 minutes off the bench, scoring four points, and he's expected to play an increasing role as the tournament goes on.


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