MELBOURNE (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Asian Qualifiers) -Australia have maintained their unbeaten record and stormed to the top of Group B in the Asia Qualifiers after a convincing 84-68 victory over a gritty Philippines in Melbourne on Thursday.

After a tight tussle for two-and-a-half quarters, the Boomers broke the game open with a match-winning 26-1 spurt overlapping the third and fourth quarters. Cameron Gliddon led the Boomers with 16 points, while Mitchell Creek had 12 points and 11 rebounds. June Fajardo scored 15 points for the Philippines, who lost their first match of the Asian Qualifiers.

 🇦🇺Great period of play by @basketball culminates in N1️⃣ by Lisch #FIBAWC #ThisIsMyHouse

The final lopsided score line looked unlikely early after the plucky Philippines matched their favored opponents. It was an even opening with underdog Philippines starting strong in front of a large contingent of Filipino supporters at the Margaret Court Arena. Scores were deadlocked after the first quarter with the smaller Philippines holding their own on the boards.

A major upset looked on the cards when the inspired Philippines led 26-21 midway through the second quarter aided by a cold shooting Boomers from the floor. Sensing they were in a hole, the Boomers turned up the volume on defense and went on a 16-6 run heading into half-time to lead 37-32 at the long break.

Philippines hung in for much of the third quarter before the Boomers finally broke the game open with a devastating burst against the tiring visitors. 

Australia will play Chinese Taipei on Sunday, while the Philippines take on Japan.

FIBA