The Australian Devils have been unable to get past the USA in their final group stage game of the 2019 IWBF Under-25 World Championships, falling 31-56.
Despite the loss, the Devils still finished the group stage in second spot and will now face South Africa in the Quarter-Finals on Sunday. Against the USA, Australia were jumped by a 4-20 opening term and more pain was inflicted before half-time as they found themselves trailing by 22 points. The Devils showed impressive grit out of the main break though and Teisha Shadwell and Annabelle Lindsay were able to get reward for effort by getting to the free-throw line. Shadwell also shone at the defensive end, picking up two steals in the third term as the Devils went on to win the quarter, 14-12. USA restored their ownership of the game in the final term but Australia showed they can match it with a gold medal favourite at this year's tournament. Shadwell (11 points, 12 rebounds) and Lindsay (ten points, 12 rebounds, four assists) each finished with double-doubles, Maryanne Latu added another four assists to her tally and Taishar Ovens came off the bench to contribute four points. Find the box score here and watch the replay below.
The Devils (2-1 through the group stage with a +22 point differential) will now face South Africa (1-2 with a -122 differential) in the 2019 IWBF Under-25 World Championship Quarter-Finals. Tip-off is scheduled for 3.15pm AEST as Australia aims to defend or improve upon their silver medal winning performances from 2011 and 2015. All games can be viewed live on the IWBF Facebook page or the IWBF YouTube channel while stats can be located via the tournament's official website. The Australian Devils schedule for the 2019 IWBF U25 World Championships (all times AEST): May 23: Devils def. Germany 55-37 May 24: Devils def. Turkey 53-24 May 25: Devils def. by USA 31-56 May 26: Quarter-Finals- Devils vs. South Africa at 3.15pm May 27: Semi-Finals May 28: Medal games
