By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Launching the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Australia edged out New Zealand, 84-79, in Hobart’s MyState Bank Arena on Friday.
The latest edition of Boomers versus Tall Blacks featured both sides nearing a double-digit lead in the first half, and the hosts pulling away in crunch time. A triple by William Hickey created a two-possession advantage with 36 seconds on the clock, getting Australia well on track for a 1-0 start in Group A. The 26-year-old guard ended up with 12 points.
Jaylin Galloway netted 19 points, with Angus Glover following at 17 points. On the losing side, Sam Mennenga posted a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double, and Flynn Cameron had 15 points.
A rematch follows in Wellington’s TSB Arena on Monday.
FIBA World Cup 2027 Asia Qualifiers
Group A
1. Philippines 2 (1-0)
2. Australia 2 (1-0)
3. New Zealand 1 (0-1)
4. Guam 1 (0-1)
Group B
1. Japan 2 (1-0)
2. South Korea 2 (1-0)
3. China 1 (0-1)
4. Chinese Taipei 1 (0-1)
Group C
1. Iran 2 (1-0)
2. Jordan 2 (1-0)
3. Syria 1 (0-1)
4. Iraq 1 (0-1)
Group D
1. Saudi Arabia 2 (1-0)
2. Lebanon 2 (1-0)
3. Qatar 1 (0-1)
4. India 1 (0-1)
-Top 3 national teams from each group advance to the next round, carrying their results to a new group
-Top 3 national teams and the best fourth team of the two new groups advance to the World Cup
-Qatar has an automatic host berth