Perfect Gangurrus start in Glasgow

The Australian Gangurrus have made the perfect start to their 3x3 campaign at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, recording three opening-day wins, with Sam McDaniel, Jonah Antonio, Jesse Wagstaff and Jarred Bairstow all shining in their own way.

The Gangurrus opened the tournament with a 21-15 victory over New Zealand in the first game on Friday, before defeating Nigeria by the same scoreline and wrapping up the day with a 21-14 win against host nation Scotland.

The foursome representing Australia in Glasgow boasts strong NBL connections. Across the three wins, McDaniel scored 22 points to go with 15 rebounds and five key assists as he prepares for another season with the Brisbane Bullets, where he’ll be hoping for a clear run on the injury front.

Antonio, who is currently playing alongside David Okwera and Lat Mayen at the East Perth Eagles in NBL1 West, top-scored with 24 points while shooting 10-of-21 from outside.

Wagstaff is the Perth Wildcats’ games record holder and is locked in for another season in NBL27. He recorded 11 points and 12 rebounds across the three matches.

Bairstow was recently named to the NBL1 North All-First Team following his season with the Brisbane Capitals. Across the three games in Glasgow, he recorded six points, seven rebounds and three key assists.

In Australia’s opening game against New Zealand, the scores were tied at 8-8, before the Gangurrus began to take control through a score inside from Bairstow and a two-pointer from Antonio.

Another long-range make from Antonio pushed Australia’s lead to 14-9, before he sealed the result with his third two-pointer of the game. Antonio and McDaniel finished with eight points apiece in the 21-15 victory.

Next up, the Gangurrus faced Nigeria, with two early shots from deep by Antonio helping them establish a 5-3 lead. However, Nigeria fought back and moved ahead 12-11 following a score from Ike Nwamu.

McDaniel responded with a pair of two-pointers before Antonio added two more of his own, setting Australia on course for another 21-15 victory. Antonio finished with 12 points, shooting 6-of-10 from outside.

Australia completed its opening day against host nation Scotland, making a strong 6-2 start and remaining in control for the rest of the contest. Wagstaff secured the 21-14 victory with a score from an offensive rebound with 1:48 remaining.

McDaniel led the Gangurrus with 10 points, while Wagstaff collected eight rebounds.

The Australian women’s team was also in action across three games on the opening day in Glasgow, defeating Kenya 21-5, Jamaica 21-13 and Fiji 21-3.

Across the three victories, Emma Clarke averaged 8.3 points and 4.0 rebounds, Amy Atwell recorded 5.7 points and 4.7 rebounds, Lara McSpadden added 3.7 points and 2.0 rebounds, and Marena Whittle contributed 3.3 points and 2.3 rebounds, along with seven key assists across the three matches.

The Australian men’s wheelchair team played one game, suffering a tight 16-13 defeat to England. Luke Pople and Tom O’Neill-Thorne scored four points apiece, with Tomas Klein adding three and Eithen Leard two.

Australia’s women’s wheelchair team also played one game, falling 16-6 to England. Georgia Munro-Cook scored four of Australia’s six points.

Results

Australian men

Game 1: Australia 21 - New Zealand 15
Sam McDaniel: 8 points, 6 rebounds, 2 key assists
Jonah Antonio: 8 points, 1 rebound
Jesse Wagstaff: 4 points, 2 rebounds
Jarred Bairstow: 1 point, 2 key assists

Game 2: Australia 21 - Nigeria 15
Jonah Antonio: 12 points
Sam McDaniel: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 1 key assist
Jesse Wagstaff: 4 points, 2 rebounds
Jarred Bairstow: 1 point, 4 rebounds

Game 3: Australia 21 - Scotland 14
Sam McDaniel: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 key assists
Jonah Antonio: 4 points, 4 rebounds
Jarred Bairstow: 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 key assist
Jesse Wagstaff: 3 points, 8 rebounds, 1 key assist

The schedule

All times AEST. All teams compete in Pool A.

Australia v New Zealand – Friday, July 24 - 7:00pm
Australia v Nigeria – Saturday, July 25 - 2:25am
Australia v Scotland – Saturday, July 25 - 5:40am
Australia v Guyana – Sunday, July 26 - 11:50pm
Australia v Cayman Islands – Monday, July 27 - 5:20am