Boomers beat Tall Blacks on the buzzer
- editor59343
- 10 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Australian Boomers have scored an on-the-buzzer 79-77 victory over the Tall Blacks in game two of the World Cup qualifying, this time in Wellington.
Davo Hickey landed what could only be described as the shot of the FIBA window, with nothing left on clock to give the Boomers their second win in World Cup Qualifiers.
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The game started at pace with Akita Northern Happinets teammates Yanni Wetzell and Keanu Pinder striking first, each getting their team on the board and setting an early tone.
New Zealand responded swiftly, with Izayah Le'afa and Mojave King draining back-to-back triples to give the Tall Blacks a brief buffer.
Australia, however, steadied and surged back behind a dominant opening term from Keanu Pinder, who posted 11 first-quarter points to spark the Boomers’ offence.
Australia edged ahead, taking a 23–21 lead into the first break.
The Boomers carried their momentum into the second term, forcing an early timeout from the Tall Blacks. After another tightly fought spell, Australia maintained the edge, taking a two-point lead into halftime.
The Tall Blacks opened the third quarter with intent, snatching the lead early as the momentum swung in New Zealand’s favour. The Boomers responded with a determined fightback, trading blows in a fast-paced and physical stretch.
Sam Mennenga took control of the quarter, capping his impact with a monster dunk that sent the Tall Blacks’ crowd into a frenzy and firmly tipped the momentum their way as the home side took a five-point lead into the final break..
The final quarter exploded into action as Taine Murray and Sam Mennenga kicked things off with a bang, helping the Tall Blacks ride the momentum generated from their dominant third term.
But the Boomers refused to back down. Australia roared back into contention with a sharp 7–0 run, tightening the contest and setting up a nail-biting finish.
From there, both teams traded blows, with the lead swinging repeatedly as the intensity rose on every possession.
With the Tall Blacks up one, with under 20 seconds on the clock, the ball found Hickey, who knocked down a bank with double zero showing on the timer to steal the win in Wellington.
Mennenga was strong across the court while King stepped up after a subdued first game with 13 points
However Mennenga didn't make the court in the fourth quarter being kept on the bench along with Tyrell Harrisono whose big body was needed under the hoop.
The team’s focus will soon shift to February window where the team will travel to the Philippines and Guam for their next round of qualifying.
New Zealand Tall Blacks 77 (Sam Mennenga 16p, 6r,Mojave King 13p, 5a, 5r)
Australian Boomers 79 (Keanu Pinder 21p, Nick Kay 20p, Jaylin Galloway 13p, Davo Hickey 12p).
Q1: 24-27
HT: 48-42
Q3: 67-66
FT: 84-79
