FIBA World Cup Round of 16: Emir Preldzic Puts Turkey Past Australia

Emir Preldzic knocked down a 3-pointer with five seconds left Sunday and Turkey clipped Australia 65-64 in FIBA World Cup round of 16 play in Barcelona.

It was the second of two 3-pointers for Preldzic in the final minute of play as Turkey (4-2) came back from eight points down in the fourth quarter to knock off Australia (3-2).

More from International Basketball

• 3 Players who will benefit most from playing for Team USA
• 5 sleepers to watch at the 2023 FIBA World Cup
• Ranking the 10 biggest threats to Team USA at 2023 FIBA World Cup
• 20 NBA players to watch at the 2023 FIBA World Cup
• Grant Hill believes the FIBA World Cup won’t be easy for Team USA

The Aussies had a final possession, but Joe Ingles lost possession of the ball as time expired and Australia was never able to get off a final shot.

The game was tightly contested throughout, with Australia taking the largest lead of the game midway through the third quarter, 48-36, on a pair of free throws by Matthew Dellavedova.

Australia entered the fourth quarter with a four-point lead, 50-46, and after Ender Arslan canned a 3-pointer in the opening minute of the final period, Australia went on a 7-0 run, going up 57-49 on a 3-ball by Ingles with 7:12 to go.

Turkey followed with seven straight points to get back to within one, with another 3-pointer by Erslan closing the gap to 57-56 with 4:33 remaining.

Dellavedova hit a jumper with 1:02 to go that put Australia up 64-59. Preldzic answered with a 3-pointer with 48 seconds to go that cut the deficit to 64-62 and then the Turkish defense stiffened, forcing a shot-clock violation.

After a timeout, Turkey worked the clock down until Preldzic took a 3 with five seconds left and gave the Turks their only lead of the second half—good enough to get the victory.

Preldzic finished with 16 points and seven rebounds and Sinan Guler also scored 16 points. Arslan added 11 points for Turkey, which won the game from 3-point range.

Turkey was 9-for-22 from distance, while Australia hit just 4-of-15 from long range.

Aron Baynes of the San Antonio Spurs scored 15 points to go with seven rebounds and two blocked shots for Australia. Dellavadova of the Cleveland Cavaliers added 13 points and five assists and Ingles and Cameron Bairstow of the Chicago Bulls each had 10 points.

Australia had a 44-30 edge on the glass, but turned the ball over 16 times to just 10 for Turkey.

Turkey advances to meet Lithuania in a quarterfinal matchup Tuesday in Barcelona.