THE Australian Boomers’ loss to Greece at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday night, may have meant they left their hopes of advancing to chance, but the Aussie side has advanced to the quarter finals after other results fell their way.

The Boomers could have secured a spot in the next stage on their own, but lost to a Greek side that built an impressive lead in the first half and held off a fast-finishing Australia side for a six-point win to keep their own Olympic hopes alive.

Luckily for the Aussies, Canada held on for a thrilling three-point win over Spain, and given the Boomers lost by less than nine points, point differential saw them advance to the next stage in a nervous wait.

Australian Boomers (71) def. by Greece (77)

Greece got out to an ideal start, with superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo having his way inside the paint with some easy baskets. The Aussies tried to guard him one-out, and it was a losing strategy as the NBA Champion hit the scoreboard in rapid fashion. When the Boomers looked to double the ‘Greek Freak’, Greece’s role players made the most of their opportunities, and capitalised on Australia’s lack of defensive intensity.

Down the other end, the news was just as bad for the Australians, with turnovers again creeping into their game. In a recurring theme for the Olympic games for both the Boomers and Opals, the opposition feasted on scores off turnovers, as the Boomers gave up the ball with careless passes and loose dribbles. The Aussies trailed by as much as 21 points, early in the third quarter, before improved defensive work helped them back in the game.

Greece was held to just nine points in the third period, but the Boomers simply could not capitalise down the other end, still trailing by double-digits heading into the last. Head coach Brian Goorjian switched up the rotation to give the likes of Duop Reath and Matthew Dellavedova some minutes, and the change worked wonders with both players helping breathe life into the match. The Aussies got the deficit down to just two points after knocking down some big shots, but Greece hit some late triples to break away, and snagged a six-point victory despite a brave effort from Australia.

Despite going down with an early knee injury that sent a scare across the Boomers camp, Dyson Daniels returned to the match to have a serious impact. His creation in the second half helped the Aussies off the canvas and he finished the game with 11 points, six rebounds and eight assists, showing why he is a big part of the future.

Despite a poor first half, Joshua Giddey bounced back in the second to finish with nine points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Jock Landale led Australia’s scoring with 17 points and eight rebounds, although early foul trouble cost him court time.

Australia’s quarter final opponent will be determined later today when matches are completed.