July 2, 2009

Incoming Saint Louis University men's basketball freshman Cody Ellis (Perth, Australia) tallied a team-high 25 points and led Australia to an 88-77 victory over Canada in the Emus' first game of the Under-19 FIBA World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand, on Thursday, July 1.

Ellis, a 6-foot-8 forward, hit 10-of-16 shots from the field, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, to go along with six rebounds and three blocked shots. His 25 points are the second-highest total after the tournament's opening round of games. Fellow incoming SLU newcomer Christian Salecich (Gold Coast, Australia) sank 2-of-4 shots and finished with five points, two rebounds and one steal. The guard did not commit a turnover in 26 minutes of play.

The Emus continue pool play against Spain on Friday, July 3, and take on Syria on Saturday, July 4.