A clutch three-pointer by William Hickey sends Australia to a narrow win over New Zealand
By Eurohoops Team/ [email protected]
Launching the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Australia edged out New Zealand, 84-79, in Hobart’s MyState Bank Arena on Thursday.
The latest edition of Boomers vs Tall Blacks featured both sides nearing a double-digit lead in the first half, and the hosts pulling away in crunch time. A deciding 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 Sunday.
FIBA World Cup 2027 Asia Qualifiers Group A
1. Australia 2 (1-0)
2. New Zealand 1 (0-1)
3. Guam 0 (0-0)
4. Philippines 0 (0-0)
Group B
1. China 0 (0-0)
2. Chinese Taipei 0 (0-0)
3. Japan 0 (0-0)
4. Korea 0 (0-0)
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
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