Aug. 14, 2007

Bangkok, Thailand - Saint Mary's men's basketball players, redshirt junior guard Carlin Hughes and redshirt junior forward Lucas Walker were chosen to represent their home country of Australia in the 2007 Universiade Games. This year marks the 24th Annual Universiade Games and is hosted in Bangkok, Thailand. The Universiade is an international sporting and cultural festival which is staged every two years in a different city and which is second in importance only to the Olympic Games.

Hughes and Walker began competition on August 7 during the preliminary rounds, where they faced Korea and Israel. In the first match up, Australia lost a close game to Korea, 79-81. Hughes chipped in 12 points, four assists, and two steals in the loss. In the second preliminary round Australia faced Israel on August 10. Australia was defeated 74-62, while Hughes contributed 14 points and Walker four.

In phase two of play Australia faced Angola on August 12. The Aussies came up with their first win, beating Angola 96-52. Hughes played a major role in the win, shooting 9-of-16 from the floor with 21 points, three assists, and three steals. Walker was another key contributor shooting 5-of-6 from the floor, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds.

Phase two of the competition continued with Australia falling to the Czech Republic, 69-53. In the defeat, Hughes came up with nine points, seven assists, and four steals. Walker added three points and three rebounds. Pool play ended for Australia against Kazakhstan, where Hughes scored a game-high 23 points to lead the Aussies to an 89-57 win. Hughes went 9-of-18 from the field while also adding four assists and two steals.

Next on the schedule for Australia is Chinese Tapei to begin the playoffs, while the rest of the competition is unknown and will be based on previous play.

Return to SMCGaels.com for future updates on Hughes and Walker throughout the remainder of the Universiade.