Aug. 13, 2006
The Big Ten Conference’s men’s basketball team split the first two games of its four-game summer tour in Australia. The Big Ten lost its opening game, falling to the West Sydney Razorbacks Basketball Club 117-91. The Big Ten squad earned its first win with a 97-89 victory over the Sydney Kings Basketball Club.
In the opening game, The Big Ten team fell behind 35-19 after one period and never regained the lead. The Big Ten shot just 32% from the field. Iowa junior Seth Gorney, one of two centers on the Big Ten team, contributed seven rebounds and three points. Illinois’ Marcus Arnold led the Big Ten with 18 points, while Ohio State’s Ron Lewis added 16 and Michigan State’s Jerret Smith scored 11.
Gorney moved into the starting line-up and improved his scoring output in the second game. Gorney collecting six points and six rebounds in the win over the Sydney Kings. Michigan’s Lester Abram led the scoring with 18 points, while Lewis added 16 and Indiana’s Roderick Wilmont scored 15. The Big Ten team led 50-43 at halftime and made 22-28 free throws attempts while also shooting 40% from the field.
Coached by Michigan’s Tommy Amaker, the Big Ten team will play games on Tuesday and Wednesday before heading home. Traveling to Brisbane, Australia, the Big Ten team will play the Brisbane Bullets and the South District Spartans to conclude the tour.