AIA Falls To Razorbacks

WEST SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA—AIA dropped the first game of their Australian tour 128-93 against the West Sydney Razorbacks of the NBL. The Hills Basketball Association hosted the exhibition contest at HBS Gym.

The game started as a defensive struggle, as the Razorbacks managed to shoot only 30% from the floor in the first 12 minutes, but held a 22-19 lead. However, the second period saw both teams shoot over 50% and score a combined 69 points. The Razorbacks capitalized on 8 second-quarter turnovers (13 in the half) and a rebounding margin of +14 to open up a 62-48 half-time lead. Big men Ray Schafer of Oregon and Luke Zeller of Notre Dame lead the way with 10 and 8 first half points respectively. Shafer and guard Jason Holsinger of Evansville each collected 5 boards in the first half.

Controlling the ball and rebounding better, AIA made a run in the third period to bring the game to within five points, prompting a West Sydney time-out. However, seven more turnovers in the period re-opened the gap as the Razorbacks lead by 16 after three periods.

West Sydney’s desire to run the floor took over the final period as their attempted field goals total crossed the century mark. West Sydney managed 40 points off 29 AIA turnovers and 20 second chance points on 24 offensive rebounds. Jimmy Graham of Miami (FL) took three charges in the contest for AIA. Josh Carter of Texas A&M lead AIA with 18 points and four assists. Brian Stamer of Colorado Christian and Shafer both finished with 6 rebounds. AIA alum Troy DeVries from New Mexico added 18 points on 7 of 15 shooting for the Razorbacks.

AIA returns to action Sunday at 2PM against the Sydney Kings at Alexandria Stadium.

AIA Stat Summary
Josh Carter, Texas A&M 18 pts, 4 ast, 33 min
Ray Shafer, Oregon 16 pts, 6 rbds, 28 min
Luke Zeller, Notre Dame 14 pts, 4 rbds, 27 min
Jason Holsinger, Evansville 13 pts, 5 rbds, 37 min
Wes Johnson, Iowa State 10 pts, 5 rbds, 27 min
Jimmy Graham, Miami 10 pts, 4 rbds, 16 min
Brian Stamer, Colorado Christian 5 pts, 5 rbds, 23 min