Australia’s basketball team, the Boomers, secured a hard-fought 84-79 victory over New Zealand in a World Cup Qualifier held in Hobart. The win was marked by a strong finish, showcasing the Boomers’ resilience and execution in the closing moments of the game.
The match began positively for Australia, as guard Elijah Pepper contributed with a well-timed mid-range jumper, helping to settle the team during a challenging New Zealand scoring streak. The Boomers took an early lead of 27-24 by the end of the first quarter. However, New Zealand fought back, led by Flynn Cameron and Sam Mennenga, who propelled their team to a 49-42 advantage at halftime.
Post-break, Australia seized the momentum with Angus Glover hitting key three-pointers and Nick Kay dominating inside the paint, allowing the Boomers to close the gap to just one point going into the final quarter. The last ten minutes were marked by intense defense and pivotal plays from Kay, Glover, Jack White, and Keanu Pinder, allowing Australia to regain control of the match. Their strong defensive effort down the stretch, coupled with effective rebounding and clutch free throws, secured the victory.
Head coach John Rillie, along with the coaching staff led by Dean Vickerman, played an essential role in maintaining team composure and executing critical late-game strategies that contributed to the team’s success.
The Boomers will look to build on this win as they prepare for Game 2, scheduled to take place in Wellington on Monday at 2:00 PM AWST. With their performance in Hobart, Australia is positioned for continued success in the qualifiers, inspiring hope for a strong showing in upcoming matches.