History is on Australia’s side when it tangles with China in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Finals.
The stage is set for a blockbuster finale as Australia and China square off in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Finals at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Monday, Aug. 18, 12 midnight (Manila time).
The Boomers are chasing history, looking to secure a third consecutive Asia Cup crown since joining the tournament in 2017.
Australia flexed its dominance in the semifinals with a 92-48 rout of Iran, breaking the game wide open with a blistering 24-9 second-quarter run that set up a 51-29 halftime cushion.
[ALSO READ: How Gilas Pilipinas have fared in the FIBA Asia Cup from 2011 to 2025]
Jack McVeigh led the charge with 17 points, two assists, a steal nd a block, while Harry Wessels (16 points, four rebounds) and William Hickey (14 points, six rebounds and six assists) provided ample support in the blowout win.
[ALSO READ: Iran, New Zealand battle for bronze medal in FIBA Asia Cup 2025]
Team Dragon, meanwhile, are back in the Asia Cup’s biggest stage for the first time since winning the title on home soil in 2015 against Gilas Pilipinas.
China punched its ticket to the final with a 98-84 victory over New Zealand, leaning on the late-game brilliance of Rui Zhao, who poured in 10 of his 24 points in the last four minutes.
Junjie Wang contributed 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Jinqiu Hu added 13 points in the balanced effort.
History, however, heavily favors Australia, which has won 10 of its 11 head-to-head meetings with China in FIBA competitions.
The Chinese last tasted victory over the Aussies in the 2006 Stankovic Continental Champions Cup, a tight 63-61 result.
Their most recent clash came in the 2022 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where the Boomers dismantled Team Dragon, 71-48.
With Australia’s juggernaut squad seeking to cement its dynasty and China eager to reclaim continental glory after a decade-long wait, fans are in for a gripping finale that could either extend the Boomers’ reign or mark the resurgence of Team Dragon.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]