Australia were comprehensively run off the floor against Canada

Australia’s hopes of claiming a medal in the 2019 FIBA World Cup have taken a huge hit in their first hitout since the team was named.

Canada were far too good for the Boomers on Friday night.

Australia were being touted as a genuine medal chance at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, but they’ve been brought back down to earth with a gigantic thud.

In their first warm up game against Canada, before the tournament gets underway at the end of the month, the Boomers offered no signs they would be a force.

Canada entered Friday night’s match with just one NBA player in their squad, while the Boomers boasted stars Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, Joe Ingles and Matthew Dellavedova.

But from the opening tip it was clear Team Canada, behind recent NBA champ coach Nick Nurse, had the upper hand as they took full advantage of a lacklustre perimeter defensive effort from the Aussie group.

A minor fightback in the third quarter didn’t last as Canada went on to claim the 90-70 victory at Perth’s RAC Arena.

The two teams will square off again on Saturday night with the Boomers backs well and truly against the wall.

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Questions were raised when Australian coach Andrej Lemanis named his team, leaving several big names out, and they’ve only been magnified after the dour display on Friday night.

The team showed zero cohesion on the defensive end as Canada continued to secure open shot after open shot thanks to some crisp ball movement.

“I think we have had two good camps so far but we have definitely got a lot of room to improve,” Matthew Dellavedova said postgame.

“They were running their stuff and knew where their looks were coming from. I think we will continue to get better.

“We got some better looks in the second half but we need to start better as well.”

This is a nice reality check for the Boomers, and also a lot of us who completely dismissed Canada. Should be noted that some good looks aren't falling for Australia, but the chemistry just isn't there yet. Also: yes, it's early, but the rotations have been... interesting.

— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) August 16, 2019

Reality check. Full credit to Canada, they impressed and played like a united outfit. Tomorrow’s game can’t come quick enough now. #GoBoomers

— Andrew French (@AFrenchy91) August 16, 2019

Patrick Mills led the way offensively for the Boomers with the San Antonio Spurs guard finishing the game with 20 points on 8-18 shooting from the field.

Mills (20 points) and Jock Landale (17) tried their best to keep the Boomers in the contest, but Canada’s superior shooting proved the difference.

Kevin Pangos (18 points) and Andrew Nembhard (12) wereamong five players to hit double figures for Canada.

Australia struggled knocking down shots from all over the court, but it was amplified with their three-point shooting, ending the contest a lacklustre 6-34 (17 per cent). Canada on the other hand shot the lights out by burying 13-32 (40 per cent).

.@CanBball beats the Australian Boomers by 20! With a group of more @USPORTSca alumni than @NBA players Canada showed just how much heart this group has. I hope the country takes notice and really gets behind this team as they try to qualify for the @Olympics.

— Donnovan Bennett (@donnovanbennett) August 16, 2019

The Boomers have set their sights on winning a medal at the World Cup in China. Some of the players have even stated publicly they want that medal to be gold. But going on Friday’s display, the Boomers have plenty of work to do — and precious little time to do it.

The Boomers face Canada again on Saturday night, before travelling to Melbourne for two games against the USA.

Their first World Cup game is on September 1 against Canada.

— with AAP

P RE-WORLD CUP GAMES IN AUSTRALIA (AEST)

August 16: Canada defeat Australia 90-70

August 17: Australia vs Canada in Perth — 7:30pm on SBS Viceland and SBS on Demand

August 20: Canada vs New Zealand in Sydney — 7:30pm on SBS on Demand

August 21: Canada vs New Zealand in Sydney — 7:30pm on SBS on Demand

August 22: USA v Australia in Melbourne — 7:30pm on SBS Viceland and SBS on Demand

August 24: USA v Australia in Melbourne — 2pm on SBS Viceland and SBS on Demand

August 26: USA v Canada in Sydney — 7:30pm on SBS Viceland and SBS on Demand