The Australian Boomers continue their Fiba Basketball World Cup campaign on Tuesday night against Japan in their final group phase game.

Australia struggled to overcome another slow start in their last outing, going down 85-82 to Germany, making tonight’s game against Japan a must-win as they look to advance from Group E. 

Patty Mills led the Boomers with 21 points, six assists and five rebounds, while Josh Giddey added 17 points and three assists in the loss. Now, the duo will have to bounce back even stronger as they look to keep Australia’s medal hopes alive with a win over Japan.

The Sporting News is tracking all of the action from Australia vs. Japan below.

MORE: Josh Green says Boomers have clear goal at 2023 World Cup

Australia vs. Japan score

Australia vs. Japan live score, updates, highlights

BOX SCORE: Australia vs. Japan

Second quarter:

9:43 p.m. — Gidd3y drills the triple and the Boomers take a 23-point lead. The ball movement has been crisp tonight as they make it 18 assists on 22 made field goals. Timeout Japan

9:41 p.m. — Josh Green picks up his second foul and heads to the bench with 10 points and three steals. 

9:39 p.m. — The Boomers hold a double-digit lead despite a cold start from 3. They’re just 1-of-12 from the 3-point line and a scorching 16-of-21 from 2-point range. 

9:38 p.m. — Hiejima called for an unsportsmanlike foul called as he tries to corral Josh Green. 

9:35 p.m. — The Josh and Josh combo is tearing Japan apart as Giddey and Green combine once again. Green’s increased minutes tonight are paying off early as he converts the and-1 play to make it 34-21.

9:33 p.m. — Japan going back to a zone defense early in the second as they look to keep Australia out of the paint. So far, so good as Ingles and Mills miss a pair of quick triples. 

9:30 p.m. — Japan continues to struggle from beyond the arc tonight as Tominaga misses on back-to-back possessions. Japan  2-of-11 from the 3-point line. 

End of first quarter: Australia 25, Japan 17

The Boomers got off to a fast start in Q1, shooting 11-of-19 from the field to take an eight-point lead at the end of Q1. 

Josh Green and Xavier Cooks lead they way with six points apiece. 

9:24 p.m. — Despite rolling with a smaller lineup, the Boomers have done a great job on the glass, outrebounding Japan 12-7.

9:22 p.m. — Xavier Cooks making his presence felt early on both ends for the Boomers, getting the block on one end and running the floor for the wide-open jam at the other. Australia lead 20-15. 

9:19 p.m. — Ingles, Cooks, and Exum check into the game with five minutes to play in Q1. 

9:18 p.m. — Watanabe converts the and-1 play for Japan to cut the lead to 16-12.

9:14 p.m. — After consecutive slow starts, the Boomers have settled into their offence quickly tonight and Josh Green caps off the fast start with the four-point play! Australia lead 8-2.

9:12 p.m. — Josh Giddey gets the first bucket of the game and we’re underway in Okinawa!

9:12 p.m. — Duop says NOPE!

DUP #FIBAWC x #WinForAustralia pic.twitter.com/IDKJfwYI1Q

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 (@FIBAWC) August 29, 2023

Pre-game

9:11 p.m. — Japan will start with Yudai Baba, Joshua Hawkinson, Makoto Hiejima, Yuki Kawamura and Yuta Watanabe.

9:10 p.m. — Australia will start with Josh Giddey, Patty Mills, Josh Green, Nick Kay, and Duop Reath.

8:50 p.m. — The Boomers getting loose ahead of tonight’s game. 

Pregame shootaround, ahead of Australia vs Japan. pic.twitter.com/myvN1lpayP

— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) August 29, 2023

7:50 p.m. — Here from Boomers co-captain Patty Mills ahead of tonight’s “must-win game.”

The Boomers have their backs against the wall and must beat Japan tonight to advance in the FIBA World Cup.

ESPN caught up with Patty Mills to look at the challenge ahead.

“We welcome that pressure.”

Watch Australia vs. Japan live on ESPN. Pre-game coverage starts from… pic.twitter.com/PONAU0Kt3i

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) August 29, 2023

What channel is Australia vs. Japan on?

• Date: Tuesday, Aug. 29
• Time: 9:10 p.m. AEST
• TV channel: ESPN/Kayo Sports
• Live Stream: Courtside 1891

The Australian Boomers take on Germany on Tuesday, Aug. 29. The game is scheduled to start around 9:10 p.m. AEST. The game will be played at Okinawa Arena.

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup will air in Australia on ESPN/Kayo Sports. The tournament will also be available to stream on FIBA Basketball’s official streaming service, Courtside 1891. It offers two subscriptions.

Courtside 1891 Plus is free and gives you access to “extended highlights and a curated feed for your favorite teams.” Courtside 1891 Max is a paid subscription that allows you to watch “live game streams and full game replays.” Use code TSN10WC to receive a 10 percent discount for Courtside 1891.

Geo-restrictions may apply to certain regions. Click here to find out which games are available in your region.

If you just want to watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup, you can buy a pass for the entire tournament for $24.99 (AUD). An annual pass, which includes the FIBA Basketball World Cup and other international competitions, costs $49.99 (AUD).

MORE: Everything you need to know about FIBA’s streaming service

When is the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?

• Dates: Aug. 25-Sept. 10
• Locations: Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines

The 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup began on Friday, Aug. 25. The group stage will take place in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines and run through Sept. 3, with the single-elimination knockout stage beginning on Sept. 5.

The tournament will conclude with the gold medal match on Sunday, Sept. 10.

Australian Boomers schedule at 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

Australia will be in Group E with Germany, Finland and Japan. All of its first-round group-stage games will be played in Okinawa, Japan.

You can find Australia’s group stage schedule below.

Australian Boomers roster for 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup 

Here are the players who will represent the Australian Men’s National Team at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.