11/28/2025
The Australian Boomers overcame a sluggish start and a determined New Zealand squad to secure an 84-79 victory in the opening game of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Friday night.
In a renewed chapter of the trans-Tasman rivalry, the Boomers found themselves trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half at MyState Bank Arena. The Tall Blacks, led by a sharp-shooting Izayah Le'Afa, controlled the tempo early, exploiting gaps in the Australian defense and silencing the home crowd.
However, the momentum shifted in the second half as Australia increased their defensive pressure. The comeback was defined by the composure of guard William Hickey. With the game hanging in the balance and the clock ticking under the 40-second mark, Hickey drained a decisive three-pointer to give Australia a lead they would not relinquish.
Sam Froling was instrumental in keeping the Boomers within striking distance, anchoring the team in the paint while the perimeter shooting struggled to find its rhythm.
"We knew New Zealand would come out firing," said Boomers head coach Brian Goorjian. "It wasn't pretty, but the group showed resilience when it mattered most."
What This Means for Group A
The win puts Australia at 1-0 in Group A, a critical start for their qualification campaign. The top three teams in the group—which also features the Philippines and Guam—will advance to the next round. While the Boomers take the early advantage, the narrow margin of victory suggests the return leg will be fiercely contested.
Next Up: The Rematch
Both teams now travel across the Tasman Sea for the second leg of this qualifying window. New Zealand will host Australia at TSB Arena in Wellington on Monday, December 1. The Tall Blacks will look to leverage their home court to split the series, while the Boomers aim to sweep the window and solidify their standing atop the group.