UPDATE: Australia narrowly defeated New Zealand in a thrilling start to their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign, winning 84-79 in Hobart on Friday night. The Boomers faced intense pressure, trailing at halftime and entering the final quarter before making a crucial comeback.
The game was tied at 75-75 with just four minutes remaining, setting the stage for a gripping finish. William Hickey delivered a pivotal three-pointer with only 36 seconds left, pushing Australia ahead by four points and sealing the victory.
Outstanding performances came from both sides, with Jaylin Galloway of the Boomers leading all scorers with 19 points, along with three rebounds and two assists. Sam Mennenga matched Galloway’s scoring for New Zealand, contributing 19 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
Despite their victory, the Boomers struggled with fouls, ending the game with a 24-17 foul count against them, and losing the rebound battle 41-33 against a taller Tall Blacks team. New Zealand, ranked No. 25 in the world, threatened to cause a major upset against the No. 6 Australians on foreign soil.
The match started with the Boomers establishing an early lead of eight points in the first quarter. However, the Tall Blacks rallied and took a 48-42 lead into halftime. Australia briefly regained control in the third quarter, leading by seven points before New Zealand surged back to finish the quarter ahead 67-66.
In a worrying development, Taylor Britt of the Tall Blacks left the game with a knee issue in the final quarter, raising concerns for the team’s lineup ahead of their rematch on Monday night in Wellington.
The Boomers were missing key players Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels due to NBA commitments, alongside Will Magnay and Owen Foxwell who are sidelined with injuries.
As part of the Asian qualifiers, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Guam comprise Group A, with the top three teams advancing to the next stage. The stakes are high, as only eight teams from the Asian qualifiers, including hosts Qatar who automatically qualify, will participate in the World Cup beginning in August 2027.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the Boomers can maintain their momentum in the upcoming match against New Zealand, as both teams look to solidify their positions in the qualifiers.
