THE SIDELINES : Australians Beat Ex-NBA All-Stars
Forward Andrew Gaze scored a game-high 27 points tonight to lead the Australian national basketball team to a 120-115 victory over a team of former NBA All-Stars headed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The Australians, who finished fourth in the Seoul Olympic Games last year, rallied from a 99-95 deficit after three periods and outscored the tiring All-Stars 26-15 in the final quarter.
Gaze had helped underdog Seton Hall gain the NCAA final against champion Michigan.
Veteran guard Phil Smyth and rookie center Mark Bradtke also starred for the Australians. Smith scored 25 points, including six three-point baskets, and rookie center Mark Bradtke added 17.
George (Ice Man) Gervin led the All-Star team, dubbed the Traveling Daedels, with 25 points. Bob McAdoo had 16 and Abdul-Jabbar 14. Guards Johnny Moore and Enis Whatley each scored 12 points.
The victory gave the young Australian team a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series between the two teams.
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