The Boomers’ fate is in Canada’s hands after a six-point loss to Greece in their final group game of the Olympics in Lille.
The 77-71 loss to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s side means Australia will only finish second if the in-form Canadians beat Spain on Saturday.
But it could have been worse.
A shocking 28-12 second quarter left Australia trailing by as much as 19 points, a margin that would have guaranteed an early exit.
Even a 10-point loss would have left Australia needing Canada to win and then hope to be among the two best third-placed teams to advance.
The Boomers did enough to avoid that sticky scenario, though: Patty Mills (13 points) and Dyson Daniels (11 points, eight assists, six rebounds) both hit three-pointers to cut the lead to two points in the final minutes.
Jock Landale continued his fine tournament with a double-double of 17 points and eight rebounds, while point guard Josh Giddey (nine points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five turnovers) struggled in the first half but finished strong.
Antetokounmpo (20 points, seven rebounds, six assists) continued to advance and, crucially, received help.
The Boomers failed to win their Group A match against Greece in Lille, Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Villeneve-d’Ascq, France (pictured: Greece’s Giannis Antetokounmpo in action against Australia’s Patty Mills)
Australia’s Josh Giddey had nine points and 10 rebounds after a slow first half (pictured: facing off against Vasilis Charalampopoulos)
Thomas Walkup (18 points) hit four of seven three-pointers, while Dinos Mitoglou and Vasilis Toliopoulos scored 13 points each.
Walkup’s fourth 3-pointer increased the lead to seven points just as the Boomers looked set to overtake them in the final 90 seconds.
Australia made just 10 of its 21 free throws, the loss coming after beating Spain and losing to Canada in what has been dubbed the Olympics’ group of death.
It was a bittersweet victory for Greece, who now need Spain to beat undefeated Canada to advance.
Team Australia’s Jock Landale looks on after the game, which leaves them at risk of elimination.
