RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – Former Washington State men's basketball student-athletes, Aron Baynes (2006-09), Brock Motum (2010-13) and Klay Thompson (2009-11) each were victorious in their respective countries' second games in Group A of the 2016 Rio Olympics Monday.
Both teams are now 2-0 as Australia defeated Serbia, 95-80, while the United States, a favorite to win the Gold, defeated Venezuela, 113-69. Baynes and Motum are playing for Australia, while Thompson is playing for the U.S.
A native of Cairns, Baynes got the start for the Boomers (Australia's national team) with 10 points and 7 rebounds in 23 minutes of action. Motum, from Brisbane did not appear in the game.
A native of Ladera Ranch, Calif., Thompson got the start for the U.S. and did not score in 15 minutes of action, but grabbed 2 rebounds and had an assist.
Next up Australia and the U.S. continue group play as they face each other Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m. PT.