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August 2017
Who will win the Derby from Down Under and enter the Final?
18/08/2017
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Who will win the Derby from Down Under and enter the Final?


BEIRUT (FIBA Asia Cup 2017) - New Zealand and Australia have been two of the most imposing teams in the FIBA Asia Cup 2017, but they will go their separate ways in the Derby from Down Under.

The victor, of course, not only brings home immense bragging rights, but, more importantly, earns tickets to the FIBA Asia Cup Final, where either team can make history by winning the title in their debut. Australia, by virtue of being undefeated, are the clear favorites here, but New Zealand are back on the winning track after disposing of Jordan in their Quarter-Finals matchup. The Tall Blacks have extra motivation, too, given how they have fallen short of beating Australia since their last win in 2009.

Key Matchups: Point guard play will be extremely crucial in this contest. Jason Cadee has not made any headlines in Beirut, but he has been quietly efficient for the Boomers. On the other end, Shea Ili has been running around most of his foes, and their head-on collision here could be the critical factor in determining who barges into the FIBA Asia Cup Final. Cadee did a swell job involving guys like Mitch Creek, Daniel Kickert and Matt Hodgson, and that is something Ili and Co. will need to check if they don't want this game to turn into a blowout.

Key Stats: New Zealand have so far been able to subsist on their athleticism and size, but they have to tweak their gameplan here against perennial tormentors Australia. Coach Paul Henare's squad will have to shoot better, particularly from beyond the arc, if they will neutralize Australia's edge in size. If the Tall Blacks force the issue in the paint and continue their usual game of driving aggressively, they will probably have limited success and, consequently, get the boot.

FIBA