Boomers down Slovenia

The Australian Boomers defeated European strongmen Slovenia 77-63 in China on Thursday night to make it two wins from two in their Stankovic Continental Cup title defence.

The Australians led for most of the match and comfortably held off every Slovenian challenge to score a 14-point win in Liuzhou.

But the win could come at a cost with big man Matt Nielsen leaving the court with a corked left thigh during the third quarter.

Patrick Mills and Adam Gibson led the Australian scoring with 15 points apiece. Brad Newley added 14 and Joe Ingles 12.

For Slovenia Sani Becirovic nailed 15 points, Jaka Klobucar added 13 and Uros Slokar had 10.

Boomers coach Brett Brown praised his team's defence against the world No. 20.

"We played a very good team and I was happy with the way we guarded them as a group," Brown said.

"They have an excellent scoring team, and some dynamic perimeter shooters including NBA guard Goran Dragic and an NBA centre in Primoz Brezec. To hold Slovenia to 64 points for the game and 12 in the last quarter was a terrific effort."

Brown was particularly happy with the effort of Gold Coast Blaze guard Gibson.

"Adam had a great game. He made shots at end of shot clocks that were absolute backbreakers, and some big shots from behind the three-point line," Brown said.

"When you couple that with his normal tough defence, that's a great package."

In the tournament opener on Wednesday Australia upset China 64-63.