Australia celebrate their win during the Fiba World Cup Qualifier at TSB Arena, Wellington. Photo / Photosport
Davo Hickey has hit what could only be described as the shot of the Fiba window, with nothing left on the clock to give the Australian Boomers their second win in World Cup Qualifiers.
Australia and New Zealand opened their Monday night clash with a high-energy first quarter, highlighted by strong contributions from both sides.
Akita Northern Happinets teammates Yanni Wetzell and Keanu Pinder struck 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.
After a tightly contested period, 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 a strong Australian start on both ends of the floor. Australia’s defence set the tone, applying constant pressure and disrupting New Zealand’s rhythm throughout the quarter.
Despite the stifling defensive effort, the Tall Blacks refused to fade. Their hustle on the offensive glass generated crucial second-chance points, trimming the margin and reigniting their momentum. The surge was punctuated by an explosive putback dunk from Sam Mennenga, one of the highlights of the half.
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.
But it was Mennenga who truly took command of the period. The forward took over 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.
Riding that surge, New Zealand pushed ahead to claim a five-point lead at the final break.
The final quarter exploded into action as Taine Murray and 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 Davo Hickey, who knocked down a bank with double zero showing on the timer to steal the win in Wellington.
Heartbreak for the Tall Blacks whānau, as Australia take the two opening games of World Cup Qualifying.
“Very proud of the efforts of our guys. We had our chances, we know that it actually took a shot at the buzzer to beat us.”
Coach Judd Flavell was proud of the efforts of his team in the tough loss, a sentiment shared by the team’s captain for this window, Finn Delany.
“I felt like we did enough to put ourselves in a position to win, but yeah, just couldn’t get over the line,” Delany said
“Just like what Judd spoke about, extremely proud of the group. I think we got a lot of growth in and very short amount of time and pushing the programme forward and it’s bigger picture stuff. But on that side I’m extremely proud of Judd and the management and the boys that chose to be here.”
The team’s focus will soon shift to the February window where the team will travel to the Philippines and Guam for their next round of qualifying.
“As we start to build, and it hurts now, but these experiences will help us grow. Our goal is to try to keep as many guys connected as possible as we look forward to the Philippines who we know very well and are going to be a tough outfit and also Guam. No disrespect to Guam, we have to show up there.”
Coach Flavell had one last comment on his players and the future of the national programme.
“There’s so much growth and development left as a team, so it’s exciting for the Tall Blacks in the future and what that looks like. And as a coach, we’re building towards the long game, which for us is getting to the World Cup, and once we’re there, setting our sights on LA.”
New Zealand Tall Blacks 77 (Mennenga 16p, 6r, King 13p, 5a, 5r, Cameron 9p) defeated by Australian Boomers 79 (Pinder 21p, Kay 20p, Galloway 13p, Hickey 12p).
Q1: 24-27HT: 48-42Q3: 67-66FT: 84-79