It’ll be a trans-Tasman battle in the semi-finals of the FIBA Asia Cup as the Australian Boomers face the New Zealand Tall Blacks. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:30am (AEST).
Both the Boomers and Tall Blacks, in their first representation at the Asian Cup, have excelled despite having anything but full-strength squads.
The Boomers have just one player from their Olympic campaign, the now-injured David Andersen, but even without the star, they have continued to win and win big.
Australia blitzed their way through the group stage picking up big wins over Japan, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei.
They were never challenged at either end of the court throughout the matches, with the Boomers making an easy progression. It was a different story during the first half of their quarter-final against China though, with Australia put under genuine pressure for the first time.
China played a brand of Basketball during the first half of their quarter-final that put Australia under pressure. They were physical, looked to penetrate the paint as often as possible and weren’t afraid to fire from outside.
Given Australia’s troubles from behind the perimeter throughout the tournament, there is scope to say New Zealand need to follow a similar game plan and try to hold it together for the full 48. Australia did come around in the second, using their size advantage to out-rebound and out-hustle China, eventually winning 97-71.
New Zealand, with a young squad led by Shea Ili and Finn Delany struggled their way into the tournament. After an expected, yet convincing win over Kazakhstan, the Tall Blacks only just getting over hosts Lebanon, before dropping their second match to Korea.
They have struggled in the paint somewhat and the difference in shooting percentage between the two sides is a testament to that. Despite that, New Zealand are still shooting more than 50 per cent from inside the arc.
A big quarter-final will have settled some nerves as they rolled over Jordan by 28 points. Ili and Delany continued to be their best while Tohi Smith-Milner, the Melbourne United youngster gave them some presence inside, adding 19 points.
Smith-Milner and starting centre Samuel Timmins will be also key men for the Tall Blacks.
So far, the Boomers have barely been challenged in the paint, and with Timmins and Smith-Milner grabbing 18 rebounds between them in the last game, they will have to do something similar to lessen the presence of Matt Hodgson, Mitch Creek and Brad Newley in this one.
Prediction
The Boomers are the better side on paper and also have more big match experience. With Creek and Newley in form, as well as being better for the run on Thursday night after a five-day lay-off, the Boomers should get the job done.
Australia by 8.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of this Trans-Tasman semi-final from 1:30am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Afternoon Nate, Yep - even without NBL stars Goulding, Lisch etc, they are absolutely killing it. Going to be an intriguing match against Iran in the final.
Nate
Guest
Didn't realise you were blogging this Scott. Have been watching some of the late night games, Boomers looking good with that lineup. Seems that they have way too many weapons for the teams they are up against!
Scott Pryde
Expert
A full match report will follow. Thanks for joining me this morning on The Roar for our live coverage of the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup as the Boomers knocked over the Tall Blacks in the semi-final. Hopefully you enjoyed the call. We will be back from 4am (AEST) on Monday Morning for the final when the Boomers will play either Korea or Iran. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the game Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME New Zealand coudl dribble it ot, but Raukawa is going to try something. He takes a floater from just inside the perimeter and it misses. In their first Asia Cup, the Boomers are through to the final with a thumping win over New Zealand, who will play in the third-place playoff tomorrow. New Zealand Tall Blacks 79 Australian Boomers 106
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' The Tall Blacks with another turnover before there is a foul up the floor. From the inbound it's McCarron and he misses a corner three. New Zealand - 79 Australia - 106
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Australia with a turnover this time, before the Tall Blacks do the same and McCarron elevates to score. New Zealand - 79 Australia - 106
Fush and Chaps
Guest
The Convict Colonial Boomers should all get medals and a Governor General reception if they beat the Tall Blacks - Ex Kiwi Barnaby Joyce could be the MC perhaps
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 0' Easy bucket for Norton on the back fo that Chinese mistake, before they make another, travelling under no pressure up the court. New Zealand - 79 Australia - 104
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Norton with a lovely drive through the lane to score and send the Boomers further ahead, before Aston knocks down a corner three. New Zealand - 79 Australia - 102
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Hunter with a miss for the Tall Blacks before the Boomers go baseline through McCarron and he makes the shot as well as getting fouled. Off to the line he will go. New Zealand - 76 Australia - 100
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Harea makes a bucket from close range off the nice Te Rangi pass now before Kickert spins his way through the post and drops it in. New Zealand - 74 Australia - 97
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Australia with it through McCarron and we are well and truly into garbage time now. Won't stop Blanchfield knocking down a three from the wing. New Zealand - 72 Australia - 95
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Timeout called Australia. New Zealand - 72 Australia - 92
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Nothing happening there as the ball is battled for on the ground. Anyway, King Harwea comes into the game and knocks down a triple. New Zealand - 73 Australia - 92
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 4' Kay hits a shot for the Boomers before Raukawa answers straight back with a shot of his own. New Zealand - 70 Australia - 92
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 5' Lovely pass down the court to Hodgson and he makes a good shot off the window. New Zealand - 68 Australia - 90
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 6' Apolgies for the lack of updates. Not much happening here. Plenty of errors from both sides and Australia still up 20. New Zealand - 68 Australia - 88
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 7' Timeout called. New Zealand - 64 Australia - 84
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 7' Te Rangi with a drive into the paint and that misses, before Newley does the same. Australia grab the offensive rebound, find Creek in space and he drives baseline, linking across the lane with Hodgson who slams it home big time. New Zealand - 64 Australia - 84