The Boomers have progressed straight to the quarter-finals of the FIBA Asia Cup after completing the three-game group phase undefeated.
Despite a couple of slow starts, the Boomers were able to clean sweep their group, banking wins over Jordan, Saudi Arabia and host nation Indonesia.
Thon Maker was quick to set the tone for Australia to open their FIBA Asia Cup campaign, as he put on 14 points (including two three-pointers), seven rebounds and an assist all by the main break against Jordan (finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one block). Alongside Sam Froling (16 points, eight rebounds), the two talls were able to control the game and lead the Boomers to their game one win, 78-60.
Building off the form shown in Melbourne, Will McDowell White’s ability to involve his teammates was once again an asset for the Boomers. With seven score assists in game one and six in game two, McDowell White’s consistency has become a feature for the green and gold lineup.
MCDOWELL WHITE ➡️ PINDER 😤
How. Good!! #WeAreBasketball https://t.co/rbgbmEB4rv
— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) July 14, 2022
Tyrese Proctor and Keanu Pinder were both quick to make the most of their minutes in game two. Proctor put on nine points, three rebounds and an assist in his first eight minutes of play and Pinder contributed seven points, four rebounds and three assists in his first six. Trailing at quarter time to Saudi Arabia, the duo’s instant impact kick fired a spark in the Boomers, which then saw Australia outscore their opposition 24-7 in the second term to get the game back on track.
Once again, Maker and Froling were strong and Boomers’ captain, Mitch McCarron also got involved with 10 points, five rebounds and three assists of his own, leading his team to the 76-52 win.
If game two had a Proctor burst, then game three saw a breakout game for the youngest Boomer. Top scorer for Australia, Proctor’s 14 point, four rebound and two steal game had fans at home excited about the future talent coming through. Maker was on the brink of a double-double, with an 11 point and nine rebound showing, while Rhys Vague added 11 points of his own.
Tyrese Proctor highlights? Yes please 🔥 https://t.co/kgEhShX2eM
— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) July 16, 2022
Wani Swaka Lo Buluk took to the scoreboard immediately, with seven points tallied in his six minutes on the floor while Alex Ducas was also granted extra court time.
With five Boomers clocking double points, they were able to comfortably secure their third win over Indonesia, 78-53.
“We definitely feel like we’re in a good place after the group phase. We’ve managed to secure all three wins on the back of our defence, which gives us great confidence when shots aren’t dropping,” McCarron told BA Media.
“We’re still waiting to find out who our opponent will be for the quarter-final, so the focus for us right now is how we can be better at both ends of the floor. The boys can’t wait for Thursday.”
Australia will take on either Japan or the Philippines at the quarter-final this Thursday, time TBD.
In the spirit of reconciliation Basketball Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.