Paul gives statisticians sore fingers in five-point win

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Game 2: Australia 78 def. Côte d'Ivoire 73

NBL Next Star Luke Paul produced an outstanding all-round performance as Australia overturned a double-digit deficit to defeat Côte d'Ivoire 78-73 in their FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup Group D clash in Istanbul on Sunday (AEDT).

Australia trailed for more than 27 minutes and fell behind by as many as 10 points in the second quarter before dominating the final term 25-17 to secure a dramatic five-point victory.

Paul finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals and three blocks in one of the tournament's best all-round displays, while William Hamilton delivered 16 points, including three three-pointers and a crucial long-range basket that sparked Australia's match-winning run.

Côte d'Ivoire controlled much of the contest after opening an early advantage and stretched the margin to 28-18 midway through the second quarter behind the scoring of Kpadja Barakel Koffi.

Australia gradually chipped away at the deficit before briefly taking the lead early in the third quarter, but Côte d'Ivoire responded to reclaim control entering the final period.

The decisive moment came with less than five minutes remaining.

Trailing 60-57, Hamilton buried a three-pointer to hand Australia a 62-60 lead before the Emus closed the game on a 21-13 run. Paul was superb in the closing minutes, scoring five points without a miss while helping Australia execute on both ends of the floor.

Josh McCann provided valuable scoring punch off the bench with nine points on three-from-six shooting from beyond the arc, while Alex Mabbott added 10 points on four-from-six shooting.

Yahya Basaran dominated the glass with a game-high 12 rebounds, including eight offensive boards, while Riak Akhuar contributed six points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots in an impressive defensive effort.

Australia shot just 35.6% from the field but won the rebounding battle 62-44, including a commanding 28 offensive rebounds that generated valuable second-chance opportunities.

The Australians also overcame 17 turnovers and a difficult shooting night from three-point range, finishing seven-from-30 from deep.

Koffi led Côte d'Ivoire with 20 points, five rebounds and four assists, while his side led for 27 minutes and 39 seconds before Australia's late surge.

The victory gives Australia valuable momentum in Group D after producing one of the tournament's biggest comeback wins.

Australian leaders

• Luke Paul: 18 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, three steals, three blocks
• William Hamilton: 16 points, four rebounds, three-from-seven from three
• Alex Mabbott: 10 points
• Josh McCann: Nine points, four rebounds
• Yahya Basaran: 12 rebounds (eight offensive)

Australia returns to group phase on Wednesday, July 1 at 12.30am against Venezuela.

Australian Box Scores vs Côte d'Ivoire

Group D Standings