Next Star shines as Crocs make it two from two

NBL Next Star Luke Paul was the hero for Australia in its win over Côte d'Ivoire at the FIBA Under 17 World Cup.

Only a 19-9 run down the stretch got the Crocs over the line in close-fought content in Turkiye, sealing a 78-73 win and maintaining an unbeaten record in the tournament.

The Cairns Taipans young gun finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks.

William Hamilton finished with 16 points and 4 rebounds in an impressive display.

The victory puts Australia at the top of the Group D standings with a game against the winless Venezuela to come in the round robin stage.

Australia 78 - Côte d'ivoire 73

Stat leaders

Luke Paul (AUS): 18 PTS, 9 REB, 7 AST, 3 STL, 3 BLK, 5-from-8 FG
Yahya Basaran (AUS): 4 PTS, 12 REB, 1 AST
William Hamilton (AUS): 16 PTS, 4 REB, 3-from-7 3PT FG
Alex Mabbott (AUS): 10 PTS, 3 REB, 4-from-6 FG

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
Round of 16: Time and opponent TBC, Wednesday, July 1