Australia sweep Group C, beat New Zealand 111-62

NONTHABURI (FIBA U18 Asian Championship) - In a match to decide first place of Group C, Australia beats New Zealand 111-62.

It was the first time these two met in the U18 Asia competition and the sparks well flying from the start. Both teams matched up well physically and pumped around down low from the start. Australia’s crisp passing was still on display and gave them an advantage that put them half a step ahead.

They continuously drew fouls from New Zealand which continued to eat away at how physically New Zealand were able to respond. New Zealand’s key players Flynn Cameron, Maxwell Darling, and Kruz Perrott-Hunt were plagued with foul trouble for the entire game, make it difficult to get anything going.

The long and lanky duo of Kyle Bowen and Samson Froling both scored an efficient 19 points apiece and combined for 20 rebounds between themselves. Tamuri Wigness enjoyed an extended amount of minutes and displayed why he was highly regarded coming into the tournament. It seemed nearly impossible to stay in front of him and he finished with 11 points on 5/6 shooting to go with 5 assists.

New Zealand’s Flynn Cameron tried time and again to spark New Zealand back into the game, but the lead grew too big for a comeback. Cameron had 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists for the Junior Tall Blacks.

Australia’s win seals them the No.1 seed in Group C and they will be rewarded with a one-day rest before the Quarterfinals. They will play the winner of the match between No.2 seed of Group A and No.3 seed of Groub B.

As the No.2 seed of Group C,New Zealand, will have to play in the Playoffs for a shot at the Quarterfinals instead. They will be facing the No.3 seed of Group D which will be decided later in the day between India and Syria.

FIBA