Australia were defeated 91-83 by Angola in their Group D clash on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria on Thursday (September 4)

The "manner" in which they lost is now being investigated.

A FIBA statement said: "The on-court behaviour displayed by Australia in that game generated huge disappointment by basketball fans and experts.

"It is widely suspected that Australia lost that game in order to avoid having to face the reigning world champions USA until the semi-finals.

"Basketball Australia has an opportunity to state its case before FIBA decides whether and to what extent disciplinary sanctions shall be imposed."

Australia won three of their five group games to finish third in Group D and advance to the next round.

They secured an 82-75 win over Lithuania, a 70-62 win over Mexico and an 89-55 demolition of South Korea.

The only other game they lost was against Slovenia, going down 90-80.

Angola won two of their five Group D games, and did not progress to the knockout round.

Australia were defeated by a single point at the hands of beaten 2010 finalists Turkey in their round of 16 match yesterday in Barcelona, losing 65-64.