Antonio Browne sends Australia into Round of 16

• ‍Lessons learned: Battle-tested Crocs ready for what's next‍
• Game 1: Aussie Crocs at snappy best to tip-off Cup campaign‍
• Game 2: Paul gives statisticians sore fingers in five-point win

The Crocs are through to the Round of 16 at the FIBA Men's Under-17 World Cip in Istanbul and will face Slovenia at 12.30am on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Australian won Group D overnight.

Game 3: Australia 75 def. Venezuela 47

Antonio Browne led a balanced Australian attack as the Crocs remained unbeaten at the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup with a commanding 75-47 victory over Venezuela in Group D in Istanbul on Wednesday (AEST).

Australia seized control from the opening tip, racing to a 17-5 first-quarter lead before extending the margin to 21 points by halftime. The Crocs never allowed Venezuela back into the contest, cruising to their third straight victory behind relentless defence and efficient shooting.

Browne finished with a game-high 17 points on 8-from-11 shooting, adding six rebounds and three assists in just 20 minutes. He established the tone early with his attacking play around the basket as Australia shot an impressive 52.8% from the field.

NBL Next Star Luke Paul again orchestrated the offence with six points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks, while Alex Mabbott delivered another strong all-round contribution off the bench with seven points, eight rebounds and four blocks.

Australia opened the game with a 9-0 run and held Venezuela scoreless for the opening five minutes, immediately asserting themselves at both ends of the floor. The Emus led for 39 minutes and 38 seconds, with the scores tied for only the opening 22 seconds.

The Australians continued to build their advantage in every quarter, leading 37-16 at halftime before pushing the margin beyond 30 points during the second half.

Yahya Basaran added eight points, four rebounds and two blocks, while Josh McCann scored seven points and Alex Edwards was perfect from the field, finishing with six points on three-from-three shooting.

Australia's depth again proved decisive with all 12 players scoring or contributing significantly. William Hamilton, John Aryang, Lucas Byrne, Andrew Watene and Tom Dammers all added at least four points as head coach Greg Vanderjagt was able to spread the minutes across his rotation.

The Crocs dominated inside, shooting 61.5% on two-point attempts and finishing with a 50-38 rebounding advantage. Defensively, Australia held Venezuela to just 34% shooting from the field and only two made three-pointers from 15 attempts.

Bryan Gomez led Venezuela with nine points, while Kevin Gutierrez added 10 efficiency points in a difficult night for the South Americans against Australia's pressure defence.

Australia's third consecutive victory leaves the them firmly in control of Group D as they continue their pursuit of a medal in Istanbul.

Australian leaders

• Antonio Browne: 17 points, six rebounds, three assists
• Luke Paul: Six points, five rebounds, seven assists, two steals, two blocks
• Yahya Basaran: Eight points, four rebounds, two blocks
• Alex Mabbott: Seven points, eight rebounds, four blocks
• Josh McCann: Seven points, five rebounds

Australian Box Scores vs Venezuela

Final Standings in Group D