After the ending of the drought victory of Mexico over Angola, the Mexicans were looking to repeat the 40 years dose on the Boomers - it was squarely on the cards. Entering the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, Mexico's previous win in FIBA's flagship event dated back more than 40 years ago. It was on 12 July 1974 when they beat Australia 85-84 in a thriller.

"They're a tough team, they finished off strong and we just couldn't just match their intensity," said guard Jorge Gutierrez.

Unlike their clashes against the two European nations, however, Mexico managed to reverse their second-half fortunes and close to within six points late in the game.

Their guard play was also strong, coughing up just 12 turnovers after the Boomers had forced 22 out of Lithuania, but none of that impressed Gutierrez.

"That part was good for us, but it's still the same problem, towards the end of the game we can't match the intensity," he said

Mexico trailed by just two points after an impressive Orlando Mendez drive early in the third quarter, but a mere six minutes later the Aussies had streaked 16 clear behind what is becoming their trademark speed.

Australia ultimately closed out a 70-62 win behind 21 points from Aron Baynes, the win securing a place in the Round of 16 for the Oceania champions.

"You can talk about confidence but we have to be mentally tough, we can't just play a great game for a half," he said.

The loss means Mexico cannot pass Lithuania, Slovenia or Australia in Group D, and must now beat Korea on Thursday to secure a trip to Barcelona and a likely date with the USA.

When asked if his team's second-half fade-outs were simply a case of an inexperienced team lacking confidence on the sport's biggest stage, Gutierrez wasn't interested in offering excuses.

And the plan for the crunch game against the Koreans?

"We have to win, that's what it is."

(Source: 2014 FIBA Official Website)