Australia’s under-19 men’s basketball team, the Emus, won their opening game in the 2009 FIBA Under-19 World Championship, defeating Canada 88–77, on 2 July in Auckland, New Zealand.

Australia jumped out of the blocks to establish a 13-point lead within the first four minutes, an advantage that Canada was unable to overcome.

The Emus were led by Cody Ellis, son of former Perth Wildcats great Mike Ellis, and fellow 2009 Boomers squad member Brock Motum. Ellis was dominant with 25 points, six rebounds and three blocks, while Motum added 22 points and eight rebounds. Canada’s Mangisto Arop led all scorers with 27 points.

Australia matched the Canadian post players throughout the game and won the rebound count by nine boards, 42–33.

Forward Cody Ellis said the Aussies still have room for improvement.

‘I think we had a couple of silly turnovers ... and we need to box them out a lot more,’ Ellis said.

Despite the Australians’ quick start, Canada chipped away at the margin and was only six points behind at the first break (24–18).

The Emus’ lead continued to shrink as Australia failed to convert at the free throw line, shooting at just 16 per cent for the game, but the margin remained eight points at halftime.

Canada picked up their defensive effort in the second half, but ultimately could not overcome the early lead set up by the Australians.

The Australian team consists of 11 AIS athletes and the AIS’s Marty Clarke as the head coach.

In other under-19 world championship games, Spain beat Syria 79–53, United States overwhelmed Iran 106–55, Croatia cooled Kazakhstan 104–74 and Puerto Rico pipped Lithuania 80–73.

The preliminary round continues on today when the Emus play Spain at 3.00pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time).