MELBOURNE (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asia Qualifiers) - Australia have selected Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena as the venue for their home World Cup Qualifiers in February against the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.

Judging from the 6,888-strong crowd for Melbourne United's home clash with China on July 16, a large attendance will be expected for the Boomers.

The World Cup Qualifier with the Filipinos on February 22 will be a battle of 2-0 teams, with each having won games against Chinese Taipei and Japan in November.

The team from Down Under, winners of the FIBA Asia Cup 2017 in Lebanon, will be favored, yet it be taking nothing for granted. While they were convincing winners at Chinese Taipei and then in Adelaide over Japan, Lemanis was impressed by the opponents.

"The first round of qualifiers showed just how tough the quality of competition is in this Asia region – we had to battle our way through both games against two very good teams," Australia coach Andrej Lemanis said.

"We know the difference a home crowd makes and I'm looking forward to playing in front of our fans in Melbourne's Margaret Court Arena."

Chinese Taipei will have a World Cup Qualifier at Japan on February 22 before hitting the road and traveling to Melbourne for the February 25 game.

Lemanis says the first World Cup Qualifier against the Japanese drove home the importance of FIBA's new system of competition, especially for the players.

For those that were fortunate enough to be at the game live, I'm sure they would attest to the fact that feeling came through in the way the team played – they played hard, they played for each other and they played for the love of the country – a pretty special experience for all.Lemanis

"Competing in meaningful games on home soil is such a special experience for our team," he said. "It was a wonderful experience seeing the reaction from our guys as we prepared to play in Adelaide during round one – the pride and sense of responsibility in each and every member of the team was amazing to witness.

"For those that were fortunate enough to be at the game live, I'm sure they would attest to the fact that feeling came through in the way the team played – they played hard, they played for each other and they played for the love of the country – a pretty special experience for all."

Lemanis underlined the importance of getting good results in February against the Philippines and Chinese Taipei.

"These two Melbourne games are key in terms of not only advancing to the next round, but also positioning ourselves favorably in the next round," he said.

"I ask the Melbourne fans, who have always been great basketball fans, to come and help us on the journey, and in the process, get to experience the true feeling and meaning of international basketball – it doesn't get much better than this."

The Victorian government is excited to have the Boomers again. Australia played against the New Zealand Tall Blacks in the 2015 FIBA Oceanian Championship at the Rod Laver Arena.

"We're working hard to host the games that matter most – and that's exactly what we're doing," said Victorian Minister for Tourism & Major Events, John Eren.

"Victoria is the nation's sporting capital so it makes sense that our Boomers will play two of FIBA World Cup Qualifiers here in February."

FIBA