BRISBANE (Australia) - The FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers start with an exciting fast-paced upset. New Zealand take down defending Asia Cup 2017 champions Australia right in their backyard at the Nissan Arena, 108-98.

The game started with the Boomers exploding out of the gates as expected, going on a 9-0 run in the first three minutes. Todd Blanchfield scored the first points ever of the Asia Cup Qualifiers on layup to start the game.

The tides quickly turned as New Zealand fired back immediately with an 8-0 run of their own. Both teams were firing all cylinders and the first quarter ended with Australia in the lead 31-27, highlighted by 9 assists in the first 10 minutes alone.

Reuben Te Rangi and Shea Ili took over in the second quarter, taking turns punishing the defense of Australia and finished with a combined for just a bit over New Zealand’s point total in the first half with 27 points. New Zealand outscored Australia 25-15 in the second quarter to swing the momentum their way.

It was a three-pointer by Jarrod Kenny just under 3 minutes left in the second quarter off an assist by Shea Ili that gave the Tall Blacks the lead for good.

Boomers’ head coach Will Weaver made adjustments to slow Te Rangi and Ili down in the third quarter, but other players would step up to keep things going for New Zealand. Both Rob Loe (19 points) and Jordan Ngatai (19 points) knocked down big threes in the third quarter to fend off each comeback attempt made by the Boomers.

Australia did not have much trouble on the offensive end, shooting just under 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc. However, they were unable to keep their hands to themselves on the defensive end, sending New Zealand to the line for 35 attempts which they converted to 26 points.

Newly appointed head coach and FIBA Hall of Famer Pero Cameron collects a memorable win in his very first game at the helm, led by a quarter of players scoring at least 19 points. As expected, Asia Cup 2017 All-Star Five member Ili had 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Te Rangi finished the game with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, but fouled out late in the fourth quarter. However, by the time he had to leave the floor, he had already made enough big baskets to keep New Zealand up ahead until the final buzzer.

The match serves as revenge for Ili and multiple members of this Tall Blacks squad that lost to Australia in the Semi-finals of the Asia Cup back in 2017.

New Zealand will stay on the road in their attempt to sweep the first window of the Qualifiers when they travel to play in Guam on 23 February. Australia will stay at home here at the Nissan Arena as they look to bounce back against Hong Kong on the same day.

FIBA