FIBA World Cup 2014 Game Fixed? Slovenia's Goran Dragic Implies Australia Tanked vs. Angola

Slovenian basketball star Goran Dragic suggested Thursday that the outcome of a FIBA World Cup match between Australia and Angola may have been fixed. The point guard stated his claim on Twitter after Angola upset Australia by a score of 91-83 during group play.

“Basketball is a beautiful sport, there is no room for fixing the game like today Australia vs Angola!!,” wrote Dragic, who plays for the Solvenian national team as well as the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. “@FIBA should do something about that!”

Dragic based his claim on the manner in which Australia approached its game against Angola, USA Today notes. A loss in the game would allow Australia – which had already secured its place in the international competition’s next round – to avoid playing the United States in the quarterfinals.

Australia reportedly gave extensive playing time to several backups during its loss to Angola. Apparently, Dragic believes that Australia purposely tanked the contest to secure a more favorable matchup in the quarterfinals.

Allegations of fixed outcomes to games are nothing new to the basketball world. For years, fans have accused the NBA of rigging the outcome of playoff games to secure better television ratings. In April, disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy claimed the league had instructed officials to favor the Brooklyn Nets over the Toronto Raptors in the opening round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs.

Dragic has led Slovenia to an undefeated 4-0 record in Group D during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. The United States (Group C), Greece (Group B) and Spain (Group A) are the tournament’s only other undefeated teams.