Ingles, Australia Snaps Team USA’s 78-Game Winning Streak
Aug 24, 2019, 1:53 PM
Joe Ingles of the Boomers runs with the ball during game two of the International Basketball series between the Australian Boomers and United States of America at Marvel Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, Aus. – In the second straight exhibition matchup in Melbourne, Australia, the Boomers knocked off the United States 98-94, snapping Team USA’s 78-game winning streak.
It has been almost 13 years that the U.S. has lost an international game. The last loss dates back to the 2006 World Championships when Team USA was in the bronze-medal game.
Boston Celtics guard Kemba Walker led the U.S. with 22 points, Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes dropped 20 points and Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell added 12 points, those three players were the only Americans to reach double figures.
FINAL: 🇦🇺 Australia 98, 🇺🇸 USA 94@KembaWalker finished with 22 pts & @hbarnes added 20 pts #BoomersUSA pic.twitter.com/eMmzXX2sgw
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 24, 2019
Patty Mills from the San Antonio Spurs scored 30 points to lead Australia, former Ute Andrew Bogut chipped in 16 points and 9 rebounds and Jazz forward Joe Ingles scored 15 points, grabbed 4 rebounds and dished out 7 assists, while shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 1-for-4 from downtown.
Team USA had a one point lead at halftime before the Boomers outscored the Americans 50-45 in the second half to get the win.
The United States shot 44 percent from the field and 33 percent from the perimeter, while Australia connected on 50 percent of their field goals and just 25 percent of their three-pointers.
The U.S. will look to shrug off the loss as they continue to prepare for the FIBA World Cup by facing Canada in a tune up game on August 26.
