Bruton beats buzzer, Australia beats Angola

C.J. Bruton scores a buzzer-beater for Australia (Photo credit: CFP)Photo Gallery>>(BEIJING, July 31) -- After Angola's third quarter comeback had them poised for a win late into the fourth quarter, Australia was saved by C.J. Bruton's last-second three-pointer to beat Angola 81-78 in day three of the FIBA Diamond Ball for Men in Nanjing, China.

Andrew Bogut was the high scorer of the game with 32 points, an honor he already held at the end of the first half, where he contributed 14 points in addition to nine rebounds. Australia outscored Angola overall in the first two quarters, going to the break 42-35, and crashed the boards harder with 13 defensive rebounds and seven on offense.

Until the third quarter rolled around, it seemed like Australia was coming off their previous night's win over China and Yao Ming with great confidence. Angola rattled Australia by taking the lead four minutes into the third, after a series of fouls committed by Australia brought high-scoring forwards Joaquim Gomes, Eduardo Mingas and Olimpio Cipriano to the free throw line. Angola was able to keep their opponents in check while adding to their score, and closed out the quarter tied 59-59.

Bogut brought Australia back their lead midway through the fourth quarter, hitting a jumper for 68-67. Two minutes later Cipriano sunk a three to tie, and his team held the advantage until 44 seconds left on the clock, when Bogut hit his foul shot after a made basket for a three-point play, bringing the score even again at 78-78.

With the pressure on high, Cipriano missed a three point field goal attempt and the Boomers were lucky that forward Matthew Nielson got the defensive rebound with only 17 seconds left. Australia took their time with the possession, and point guard Bruton dribbled in place from behind the arc until the clock was almost out before he launched the game winning shot.

Now Australia sits at the top of group A with two wins and no losses, while Angola is left at the bottom with the reverse record, 0-2. Australia will face group B leader Argentina, who also has a 2-0 record in group play, in the finals of the Diamond Ball on August 1 at 7:30 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8).