The Australian Boomers have served some revenge to New Zealand after the Bledisloe Cup disaster, defeating them by 27 points in the semi-final of the FIBA Asia Cup.
The Boomers came flying out of the blocks, and the difference in talent between the two sides was telling from the get go. Australia, with their all-NBL roster against New Zealand with just a sprinkling of NBL talent were always the stronger side on paper and that’s the way it proved.A
A 20-0 run through the first quarter had the Boomers up 22-2 at one point, with Adelaide 36ers centre Matt Hodgson dominating the paint and the trio of Brad Newley, Jason Cadee and Mitch Creek looking unchallenged as they led proceedings from the get go.
By the end of the first quarter, New Zealand appeared shell shocked and unable to respond, down by 31 points to 10.
New Zealand started the second term a little stronger, at one point bringing the lead back under single figures, mainly thanks to the New Zealand Breakers player Shea Ili.
In just 17 minutes of game time before a hand injury took him out, Ili had 14 points on 50 per cent shooting to go with four assists. He was doing everything for New Zealand, and the level of support he received was never going to cut it – particularly disappointing was the inside presence of Samuel Timmins and the almost non-existent games of Reuben Te Rangi and Finn Delany.
At the other end of the court though, the men in green and gold were unstoppable. They did lose a slower, tighter second quarter, but came home in a powerful second half display.
Cadee, Daniel Kickert, Nicholas Kay, Mitch Norton and Mitch Creek all ended up in double figures while the hustle and energy of the Boomers led them to win the rebound count 41-32.
With New Zealand also in foul trouble at times and losing Ili in the second half, they were never a great chance to come back after falling behind by 20 so early in the piece.
Australia will now move onto the final and play either Iran or Korea, while New Zealand will play the loser of that match in the third-place play-off.
The final will be blogged live on The Roar at 4am (AEST) on Monday Morning.
Australian Boomers 106
New Zealand Tall Blacks 79
Scott Pryde
Expert
To be fair, the tournament was always a bit of a 'let's see what we have for the future.' I expect NZ to be at full strength come WC qualies in November.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Completely misread that Alex - apologies.
Jerry
Guest
As I suspected, with Henare resting so many players NZ were well outmatched (and to be honest, I think the Boomers would have been a bit too strong regardless). Great results and tournament win for Aus which is going through a real basketball renaissance.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
That was meant as a bit of a jab at the (relative to NZ) Australian care factor for rugby Scott!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Nobody? I think you're a bit off there Alex.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Hah, take that New Zealand, we can beat you in a sport nobody from either country cares about!
Scott Pryde
Expert
At full strength they will, as they did at the Olympics last year.
Mike Julz
Guest
Aw ok cool. I must say tho, Australia is producing good basketball players as of late. I think with the right coach, they can give the US team a run for their money.
Scott Pryde
Expert
They will play for Australia in the big tournaments - i.e. Olympics and World Cup... Basically, whenever they can get away from their NBA teams. I believe some of them were available for this tournament, however Basketball Australia (smartly) went for the team who are going to be playing world cup qualification matches over the next 12 months.
Mike Julz
Guest
Is there a chance in the future that NBA players like Andrew Bogut, Matthew Dellavedova, Ben Simmons, Patty Mills and Thon Maker would feature for the Australian team? Because that'll be a dope as team.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Ha! Got 'eeeem!
Sam Brown
Roar Guru
Dude, that headline is some quality trolling. Don't think I've ever ready a basketball article on here before but you sucked me in with it.