Australia Boomers Edge New Zealand Tall Blacks in Thrilling Opener

The Australia Boomers secured a narrow victory against the New Zealand Tall Blacks, winning 84-79 in a tense match at MyState Bank Arena in Hobart on March 15, 2024. This game marked the opening of the Group A World Cup qualifying series, and both teams showcased their competitive spirit throughout.

The Boomers, led by coach Dean Vickerman, demonstrated resilience in the final moments, overcoming a fluctuating performance to clinch the win. The match saw a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with the score reflecting the closely contested nature of the game: 27-24 after the first quarter, and 42-48 at halftime in favor of New Zealand.

Despite starting strong, the Tall Blacks, under coach Judd Flavell, faltered late in the game. After leading 49-42 at halftime and 67-66 heading into the final quarter, they struggled to maintain their advantage, ultimately conceding the game to the Boomers.

In the closing stages, the New Zealand team was plagued by turnovers and rushed shots, which allowed Australia to outscore them 18-12 in the fourth quarter. The defeat was particularly disappointing for the Tall Blacks, who had opportunities to secure only their 11th victory over Australia.

The standout player for New Zealand was Sam Mennenga, who contributed a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds in just 21 minutes. His efforts off the bench were complemented by Flynn Cameron, who added 15 points and 7 assists. However, the starting lineup struggled, with captain Finn Delany managing only 10 points but committing five turnovers.

Despite dominating the boards with a 49-36 advantage and 18 offensive rebounds, the Tall Blacks could not capitalize on their opportunities. They shot poorly from beyond the arc, hitting only 6 of 24 attempts, while the Boomers converted 12 of 39. Additionally, New Zealand was outscored 16-9 in points off turnovers, a critical factor in their defeat.

Looking ahead to their next matchup in Wellington, Flavell may need to reassess his strategy. The Tall Blacks’ starting lineup was significantly outscored by their bench, with only 29 points compared to 50 from the reserves. This disparity highlights a need for a more balanced attack moving forward.

On the other side, the Boomers showcased their depth and adaptability. Jaylin Galloway led the Australian effort with 19 points, while Angus Glover contributed 17 points, including four three-pointers. Will Hickey also played a crucial role, finishing with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists, displaying composure in the game’s critical moments.

As both teams prepare for their rematch, the Tall Blacks will look to refine their approach and make better use of their assets, including center Tyrell Harrison, who had limited scoring opportunities. The clash in Wellington promises to be another thrilling chapter in this trans-Tasman rivalry, as both teams vie for crucial World Cup qualifying points.