Australia's U15 Crocs capped off a wild ride by dismantling New Zealand 96 - 68 in the final to clinch the gold medal at the FIBA U15 Oceania Cup.
The hype was amplified in the championship matchup of Oceania rivals. New Zealand were seconds away from beating Crocs in the group stage and it seemed lessons were learned with Australia coming out with hardened edge in the decider.
The Crocs high-pressure defence and explosive transition game quickly set the tone, forcing turnovers and capitalising on fast breaks. By the end of the first quarter, Australia were up by 10.
Their relentless approach carried into the second quarter, as a blend of disciplined defence and efficient offence extended the lead to 20 points. By halftime, Australia held a commanding 27-point advantage, leaving New Zealand struggling to find answers.
The second half brought more of the same, as Australia maintained their intensity on both ends of the court, ensuring there was no chance of a comeback. They cruised to a decisive 96-68 victory, securing back-to-back U15 Oceania Cup titles with an emphatic performance.
“We wanted to win it for the fans. Everyone came—families, supporters—and we focused on defence all tournament. Winning gold for the first time is an amazing experience,” said Isaiah Jorgenson.
Australia’s success was fueled by standout performances across the roster. William Hamilton led the charge with a stellar showing, contributing 22 points on 8/14 shooting, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block. His dominance in the second quarter was instrumental in breaking the game open. Six players scored in double figures, including Lucas Byrne, Andrew Watene, Tom Dammers, Antonio Browne, Isaiah Jorgenson, and Hamilton, showcasing the team’s depth and cohesion.
Hamilton’s all-around brilliance earned him the tournament MVP title. “It feels great. We stuck together all tournament. I’m so happy for the boys—it’s incredible,” Hamilton remarked.
Australia’s road to gold began with a thrilling overtime win against New Zealand in the group stage. The fast-paced opener set the tone for the tournament, with Lucas Byrne delivering a key performance of 16 points on 7/9 shooting, along with eight rebounds. Australia followed up with dominant victories over Samoa in both the group stage and the semi-final. Individual brilliance was on full display, with Antonio Browne nearly achieving a triple-double (10 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds) in one matchup, and John Aryang dropping 20 points in the semi-final.
By the time they reached the final, Australia’s balanced attack and stifling defence had cemented their status as the team to beat. Their emphatic championship performance serves as a testament to their teamwork, discipline, and sheer talent.
Australia’s victory not only secured a consecutive U15 Oceania Cup title but also set a benchmark for future tournaments.
