THE Australian Boomers kept their Olympic quarter-final hopes alive with a resounding 81-61 win over China last night.
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Winless in two games going into last night’s clash, the Boomers had to win to stay in touch with top sides Spain, Brazil and Russia.
Maryborough’s Matthew Dellavedova continued his good form at his first Olympics, compiling seven points, five assists and three rebounds.
After struggling from the perimeter in their first two games, the Boomers’ outsider shooters finally came to life.
The Aussies hit five of their nine three-point attempts in the first half to open a 49-33 lead at the main break.
The Chinese threatened to reel in the Aussies in the third term with their own three-point barrage, but the Boomers stood firm and surged clear to record a well-deserved 20-point win.
Patrick Mills led the Boomers in scoring with 20 points, while Joe Inlges continued his superb form, adding 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.
Big man David Andersen chipped in with 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Boomers’ next game is on Sunday at 5am AEST against Great Britain.
Victory will cement a quarter-final place for the Boomers.
