'Locked in' Crocs demolish Japan in semi-final

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Crocs William Hamilton's 17-point performance led five players in double figures as Australia advanced to the 2025 FIBA Under-16 Boys Asia Cup Grand Final, demolishing Japan 101-36 in the tournament's semi-finals at MBank Arena in Mongolia on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

The Crocs are chasing a historic four-peat against China in the Gold Medal game tonight at 9 o'clock (AEST).

"Very proud of the group with the way we played," Crocs head coach Greg Vanderjagt said.

"I thought we had great intent right from the tip-off. The players were locked in on the game plan."

"The execution on the offensive end — the ball movement, all the things that we've tried to build within this group over our journey together so far ... I thought it was very good tonight of who we wanted to be.

"The focus continues to be on us as we move forward."

Key Details

• Round: Semi-Finals
• Result: Australia 101 def. Japan 36
• Where: MBank Arena, Mongolia (MGL)

By the Numbers

• William Troy Hamilton (Australia) starred with 17 points, one rebound, and four assists in 19 minutes.
• Alexander John Peter Mabbott (Australia) scored 15 points, had nine rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 17 minutes.

What Happened

Australia established complete dominance from the opening tip, racing to a commanding 31-10 lead in the first quarter. The Australians continued their relentless pressure in the second period, extending their advantage to 54-19 by halftime. Their defensive intensity never wavered, holding Japan to single-digit scoring in every quarter (10, 9, 8, and 9).

The Australian squad showcased their interior dominance throughout the contest, outscoring Japan 80-16 in the paint. This overwhelming advantage came from their efficient inside scoring, with the team shooting an impressive 64.5 percent on two-point field goals (40-from-62). Australia's rebounding superiority was equally decisive, as they controlled the glass with a 58-21 advantage, including 19 offensive rebounds that led to 24 second-chance points.

William Troy Hamilton led Australia's balanced attack with 17 points on efficient 8-from-12 shooting in just 19 minutes of action. The team's depth was on full display as five players reached double figures, with Alexander Mabbott adding 15 points on outstanding 7-from-9 shooting while grabbing nine rebounds. Isaiah Jorgenson contributed 12 points and seven rebounds, while Luke Roland Paul and Alex Edwards added 10 points each.

Australia's ball movement proved too much for Japan to handle, as they recorded 25 assists on 44 made field goals. Luke Roland Paul orchestrated the offense with four assists, matching William Hamilton's total, while Tom Walter Dammers added three more despite not scoring. The team's unselfish play created high-percentage scoring opportunities throughout the contest.

Defensively, Australia was equally impressive, forcing 16 turnovers while committing just 12 of their own. This led to a 24-8 advantage in points off turnovers, with the Australians recording 10 steals and seven blocks. The suffocating defense limited Japan to just 22 percent shooting from the field and 10.7 percent from three-point range, completely shutting down their offensive opportunities throughout all four quarters.

Next Up

Australia advances to the 2025 FIBA Under-16 boys Asia Cup Grand Final against China at 9pm on Sunday, September 7, 2025.