Boomers suffer injury blow in warmup win over South Sudan

The Australia Boomers finished atop South Sudan 88-67 in their final FIBA World Cup warmup match on home soil, but it came at a cost with starting centre Jock Landale in danger of missing the entire tournament after injuring his ankle.

The 27-year-old hobbled off the court midway through the opening quarter after appearing to have rolled his left ankle.

Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian says he will not fly with the rest of the team to Tokyo on Friday morning.

“Telling the truth here, he’s not getting on the plane with us,” Goorjian told reporters postgame.

“He’s going to have an MRI. It didn’t look great, so they’re going to deal with that here. We’re going to travel with the 12 we’ve got now and prepare. I’m on the mindset right now as if we don’t have him.”

Australia’s frontcourt depth will now be tested with Duop Reath expected to earn the starting nod in Landale’s absence with Nick Kay, Xavier Cooks, and perhaps Jack White other options at the five.

The Boomers responded to their disappointing warmup loss to Brazil with a comprehensive victory over a talented South Sudan squad.

After a shaky start, the hosts steadied the ship with an extended 30-2 run and rode the momentum towards a 21-point win.

Matisse Thybulle finished with a team-high 17 points on 5-of-6 from behind the arc – a welcome sign for a Boomers unit whose perimeter shooting has proven up-and-down – whilst Cooks and Patty Mills each added 11.

Reath enjoyed another strong outing finishing with 15 points and six rebounds whilst Josh Green returned for his first warmup clash playing 27 total minutes.

Joe Ingles was rested by Goorjian whilst Chris Goulding warmed up but did not play as he continues to contend with knee issue suffered against Venezuela.

The Boomers will face France in another warmup game on Sunday morning in Tokyo before traveling to Okinawa for their final warmup clash versus Georgia.

Their FIBA World Cup campaign kicks off on Friday 25 August against Finland before facing Germany on the Sunday and hosts Japan on the Tuesday.

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