MOGI DAS CRUZES (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Brazil boosted their confidence ahead of the Olympics with a blowout win over Australia on Thursday night.

Just one day after the announcement that their veteran center Anderson Varejao had been ruled out of the Rio de Janeiro Games with a back injury, Ruben Magnano's team rolled to a 96-67 victory.

"It was a great test in which the team was able to apply a lot of what we did in training," Magnano said. "We also had a very positive reaction with players off the bench, giving very good support on the scoreboard. It was our first big test and we hope to continue with this mentality to have a strong debut at the Olympics." 

Utah Jazz point guard Raulzinho Neto came off the bench and connected on all four of his attempts from 3-point range. He led the winners with 17 points.

"It's always important to win but we have to highlight the way the team played. We managed to do everything we had worked on in practice and I was able to contribute to a successful outcome of our team." - Raulzinho

Rafael Hettsheimeir, whose importance to the side has grown with Varejao's absence, started and scored 12 points in less than 17 minutes. Magnano also started Nene and the center poured in 10 points.

Brazil jumped out to a 44-29 lead at half-time and put the result beyond doubt in the fourth quarter when they outscored the Boomers, 32-15.

Raulzinho is shaping up to be a key player for Brazil, which is no surprise considering the way he played for the national team back in 2014 at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

"It's always important to win but we have to highlight the way the team played," Raulzinho said. "We managed to do everything we had worked on in practice and I was able to contribute to a successful outcome of our team.

"Being the leading scorer is not the most important thing. One day it can be Leandrinho (Barbosa) and the other, Nene. But in the end, we need to come out with the win."

Australia will expect to have better performances when Joe Ingles is in the line-up. Also a Utah Jazz player, Ingles has travelled to South America late after his wife gave birth to twins earlier this week.

FIBA