The Australia Boomers played the role of bad guy in Wellington, New Zealand after they escaped the Tall Blacks on Monday.
Davo Hickey saved the day for the Australian Boomers as he drilled the game-winning bucket with five ticks to go in a thrilling escape of the New Zealand Tall Blacks, 79-77, in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers in Wellington on Monday, December 1.
Australia ended their run in the first window of the qualifiers with a perfect 2-0 record.
After trailing by as much as 10 points, 57-67, in the fourth quarter, Hickey pulled off a stunning triple from the wing just as the time expired to win a contest that left the New Zealand crowd at the TSB Bank Arena stunned.
Hickey finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
He was also the bane of the New Zealand team in Australia as well when he hit the dagger triple in the Aussies’ 84-79 win over the Tall Blacks just last Friday.
Keanu Pinder topscored for the Aussies with 21 points along with six rebounds, one assist, two steals, and five blocks. Nick Kay added 20 points of his own.
The win propelled Australia to first place in Group A, where Gilas Pilipinas is also grouped.
Gilas plays Guam at the Blue Eagle gym on Monday evening for a chance to go 2-0 as well.
Sam Mennenga paced New Zealand in the losing effort with 16 points.
Gilas faces New Zealand next in the Asian Qualifiers on February 26 during the second window. They will also face Australia on March 1.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.