MIES (Switzerland) - Window 4 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers continued in spectacular fashion on Friday, with three Group E games producing two overtime thrillers, a record-breaking individual performance and several all-around displays. From New Zealand's Shea Ili and Sam Mennenga to Australia's Elijah Pepper, Jordan's Freddy Ibrahim and the returning Kai Sotto of the Philippines, there was no shortage of worthy candidates.
Here are our top five performers from August 28.
Who among these five would receive your top billing?
Kai Zachary Sotto (PHI)
Center
Date of Birth: May 11, 2002 Height: 216 cm / 7'1"
After nearly two years away from the national team, Sotto made his return one to remember. The 24-year-old center posted an 18-point, 14-rebound double-double as the Philippines edged Jordan in overtime, 82-81, giving Gilas Pilipinas a crucial third victory at the Asian Qualifiers. His biggest contribution, though, came at the very end: Sotto swatted away Jordan's potential game-winner as time expired in overtime, preserving a dramatic victory and keeping the Philippines firmly in the qualification picture.
Fantasy Points: 28
Sam Mennenga (NZL)
FORWARD
Date of Birth: Dec 12, 2001 Height: 206 cm / 6'9"
Mennenga made his presence felt where New Zealand needed it most: around the basket. The forward dominated the glass with 13 rebounds while adding 15 points in the Tall Blacks' dramatic 93-91 overtime win over Iran. He was highly efficient from the field, converting 7-of-11 attempts, while also recording a block. In a physical contest against Team Melli, Mennenga's work on the boards gave New Zealand an important interior presence.
Fantasy Points: 27
Shea Ili (NZL)
GUARD
Date of Birth: Oct 6, 1992 Height: 184 cm / 6'0"
Ili was at the heart of New Zealand's thrilling victory over Iran, putting together a superb all-around performance with 24 points, 6 assists and 2 steals. The veteran guard helped the Tall Blacks navigate a tense finish against Team Melli, securing their fifth win of the Asian Qualifiers and moving them another step closer to FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 qualification. In a game that went down to the wire, Ili's composure and playmaking proved invaluable.
Fantasy Points: 32
Elijah Pepper (AUS)
GUARD
Date of Birth: May 8, 2001 Height: 193 cm / 6'3"
Pepper didn't just lead Australia in scoring. He actually made history. The guard erupted for 32 points in the Boomers' 123-64 demolition of Syria, setting a new single-game scoring record for an Australian player in the Asian Qualifiers. He also buried eight three-pointers and added four steals as Australia remained perfect at 7-0. After scoring 28 points against the Philippines earlier this year, Pepper has now firmly established himself as one of the Boomers' most potent offensive weapons.
Fantasy Points: 45
Freddy Ibrahim (JOR)
GUARD
Date of Birth: Oct 14, 1996 Height: 190 cm / 6'2"
Ibrahim was everywhere for Jordan in their agonizing overtime defeat to the Philippines. The Falcons guard scored 22 points while adding 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 4 steals, including four makes from beyond the arc. Although Jordan ultimately fell 82-81, Ibrahim's relentless two-way impact kept his team in contention throughout a contest that could have major implications in the race for World Cup qualification. His ability to contribute across the stat sheet made him one of the day's standout performers.
Fantasy Points: 37
Five standout performances, three dramatic games and plenty of moments to remember. Now it's your turn: who was the top performer on August 28?
FIBA