UPDATE: Australia has secured a narrow 84-79 victory over New Zealand, kicking off their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign with a tense win in Hobart on Friday night. The Boomers faced significant challenges, trailing at halftime and entering the final quarter tied at 75-75.
The urgency was palpable as the game reached its climax, with William Hickey delivering a pivotal three-pointer with just 36 seconds left on the clock, pushing Australia ahead by four points. The win is crucial as it positions the Boomers positively in Group A of the Asian qualifiers, alongside New Zealand, the Philippines, and Guam.
Despite their victory, Australia displayed moments of vulnerability, falling behind in both foul counts and rebounds, with New Zealand dominating the boards 41-33. The Boomers relied heavily on Jaylin Galloway, who matched the game high with 19 points, alongside three rebounds and two assists.
New Zealand, ranked No. 25 in the world, nearly pulled off a stunning upset against the highly-favored Boomers, currently ranked No. 6. The Tall Blacks showcased resilience throughout the match, with Sam Mennenga also contributing significantly, scoring 19 points and grabbing a game-high 10 rebounds.
The game’s flow shifted dramatically, with Australia racing to an early eight-point lead in the first quarter before New Zealand surged back to take a 48-42 advantage by halftime. The Tall Blacks’ ability to capitalize on their height advantage created challenges for the Boomers, especially after losing key players like Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels to NBA commitments, along with injuries to Will Magnay and Owen Foxwell.
Attention now turns to the fitness of New Zealand’s Taylor Britt, who exited the game limping due to a knee issue. The Tall Blacks will need to assess his condition before their rematch against Australia on Monday night in Wellington.
As the qualifiers progress, only the top three teams from Group A will advance to the next stage, intensifying the stakes for both nations. With the World Cup set to begin in August 2027, each game is critical for positioning and momentum.
Stay tuned for live updates as the Boomers and Tall Blacks prepare for their next showdown, promising another thrilling encounter.
