Next Star Paul powers Australia into quarter-finals

Photo: fiba.basketball.

A dominant performance from Next Star Luke Paul has inspired the Australian Crocs to a convincing Round of 16 victory over Slovenia on Thursday morning, Australian time.

The Cairns Taipans young gun starred with 20 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals in an outstanding all-round display, leading Australia to a 29-point win.

Antonio Browne also scored 20 points as the Crocs booked their place in the quarter-finals, where they will take on Canada.

Australia is now just two wins away from reaching the tournament Final.

The Crocs' best result at the tournament came in 2012 and 2014, when they finished runners-up.

Australia will face Canada on Friday night at 7:30pm AEST, with the game available live on FIBA's YouTube channel.

Australia 104 - Slovenia 75

Stat leaders

Luke Paul – 20 PTS, 6 REB, 8 AST, 2 STL
Antonio Browne – 20 PTS, 3 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL
William Hamilton – 10 PTS, 5 REB
John Aryang – 9 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
Yahya Basaran – 8 PTS, 5 REB, 2 BLK

Fixtures

Australia v Serbia: 9:45pm (AEST) Saturday, June 27
Côte d'Ivoire v Australia: 7:30pm (AEST) Sunday, June 28
Venezuela v Australia: 12:30am (AEST) Wednesday, July 1
Slovenia v Australia: 12:30am (AEST) Thursday, July 2 (Round of 16)
Canada v Australia: 7:30pm (AEST), Friday, July 3 (Quarter Finals)