Australia Boomers Edge New Zealand Tall Blacks in Thrilling Opener

In a gripping opening match of the FIBA World Cup qualifying series, the Australia Boomers defeated the New Zealand Tall Blacks 84-79 at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart on March 15, 2024. The Boomers capitalized on crucial moments in the final stretch to secure their first victory against their trans-Tasman rivals in this Group A contest.

The match showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the game. New Zealand initially trailed at the end of the first quarter, 24-27, but rallied to take a 49-42 lead at halftime. The Tall Blacks maintained their momentum, heading into the final quarter with a narrow edge at 67-66.

Despite their strong play, the Tall Blacks struggled to maintain composure in the closing moments. They committed several turnovers and missed critical shots, allowing the Boomers to finish the fourth quarter with an 18-12 run. Coach Judd Flavell’s squad had an opportunity to secure a rare victory against Australia, but failed to capitalize when it mattered most.

Sam Mennenga emerged as New Zealand’s standout player off the bench, delivering a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds in just 21 minutes. Flynn Cameron also made a significant impact, contributing 15 points and 7 assists in 24 minutes. However, the team was hindered by poor shooting from beyond the arc, converting only 6 of 24 attempts, compared to Australia’s 12 of 39.

Tall Blacks Struggle with Efficiency

Despite dominating the boards with a total of 49 rebounds to Australia’s 36, the Tall Blacks could not convert their advantages into points. They were outscored 16-9 in points off turnovers, highlighting their struggles during critical moments. Coach Flavell may need to reassess his lineup, as New Zealand’s starters were outscored 63-29, with 50 of their 79 points coming from the bench.

New Zealand center Yanni Wetzell had a lackluster performance, recording just 7 points and 8 rebounds in 16 minutes. Mojave King, starting as small forward, had an off night, managing only 2 points on 1-of-10 shooting. The team also seemed to underutilize their tallest player, Tyrell Harrison, who was limited to just one shot attempt, finishing with 8 points and 3 rebounds.

On the other side, the Boomers demonstrated resilience and tactical acumen. Jaylin Galloway led the Australians with 19 points, while sharpshooter Angus Glover added 17 points, including four three-pointers. Will Hickey played a crucial role in the late stages, finishing with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Jack White also contributed with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Looking Ahead

As the Tall Blacks prepare for a rematch against the Boomers on March 18, 2024, in Wellington, they will need to refine their game plan and address the inefficiencies that cost them the opener. The upcoming match offers an opportunity for New Zealand to bounce back and potentially secure an essential win in the World Cup qualifying series.

Both teams are eager to establish their positions in Group A, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of this fierce rivalry.