Australian basketball players defeated Spain today (92:80) at the opening of the basketball tournament at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Australia played without the injured Dante Exum, led from the start of the game and ended up with a premiership victory.
The match was also marked by the Spanish representative, Rudi Fernandes. The veteran became the first basketball player to participate in six Olympic tournaments.
After the points of Gidi, who was great today, Australia reached a double-digit advantage for the first time (18:7), and the excellent first quarter of the "kangaroos" was crowned by Mills, who was accurate for three points - 31:21.
At the beginning of the second quarter, after two three-pointers by Ljulja, Spain came close to 31:27, but Australia had an answer and after a 7:0 series quickly went to a new double-digit advantage - 38:27.
Australia controlled the events on the field, but in the third quarter "fury" threatened and after nine tied points took the lead - 56:54.
It was the first and last lead of Sergio Scariol's team - Australia made an 8:0 run, took a 62:56 lead, again had a double-digit advantage in the last part and finally reached the triumph.
Landale was the most effective for Australia with 20 points and nine rebounds. Mills scored 19 and Gidi 17 points.
On the other side, Aldam had 27, Julj 17, and Vili Hernangomes 14.
The victory was also recorded by Germany, which easily and convincingly defeated Japan - 97:77.
The current world champion ended the first quarter with seven tied points, leading 28:21, and after Moric Wagner's point, he gained a double-digit advantage for the first time - 40:29.
By the middle of the third quarter, Japan was in the game, at a single-digit deficit, but there was never a moment of dilemma. Germany controlled the game and at the start reached an easy victory.
Franz Wagner was the most effective for the Germans with 22 points, while Daniel Theis scored 18.
On the other side, Rui Hačimura stood out with 20 points.
Also meeting today: France - Brazil (17:15) and Greece - Canada (21).
Tomorrow they will play South Sudan - Puerto Rico (11) and Serbia - USA (17).
Bonus video: