MIES (Switzerland) - Window 3 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers came to a close on Monday and it did not fall short in drawing splendid performances from stars and up-and-coming hoopers.
From Bryce Cotton igniting Australia's decisive win at Perth, to a dunk party led by Sam Mennenga over in Auckland, and to Josh Hawkinson being Josh Hawkinson, here are the night's top performers.
Josh Hawkinson (JPN)
Center
Date of birth: June 23, 1995 Height: 2.08 M (6'9")
It's quite unfortunate that Japan fell just short to a truly determined Korea over in Goyang, but Josh Hawkinson remained as steady as he's always been, leading to yet another notable showing. The veteran big man finished with an efficiency of 38 behind his 30 points (11-of-16 FG) and 12 rebounds, which was also his third double-double performance of the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers. It also marked the second straight game where he netted an efficiency of 30-plus as he had 31 in their massive rout of China just last Friday in Shenyang.
Fantasy points: 44
Sam Mennenga (NZL)
Forward
Date of birth: December 12, 2001 Height: 2.06 M (6'9")
Sam Mennenga never scored more than 19 points in the ongoing World Cup Qualifiers, but that changed in their rematch versus Guam. The Tall Blacks came away with the 129-75 victory and the bruising yet athletic forward led the charge with 27 points alongside 9 rebounds for an efficiency of 33 in a performance predicated on high-percentage shots - the 24-year-old punished the rim for almost the rest of the night with vicious throwdowns, leading the way for a parade of dunks as the others had their own high-flying moments in the easy win.
Fantasy points: 36
Carlin Davison (NZL)
Forward
Date of birth: August 21, 2003 Height: 1.98 M (6'5")
Among those who contributed to the dunk party that occurred in Auckland was Carlin Davison as he, too, served up his own highlight-worthy plays that gave some life to an otherwise lopsided affair between the Oceania cousins. The springy winger would then end up with a perfect outing, going 8-for-8 from the floor for 16 points - his best scoring outing in the World Cup Qualifiers thus far - alongside 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Actually, he submitted a full line as he also collected 1 steal and 1 block in 20 minutes, leading to an efficiency of 29.
Fantasy points: 38
Taine Murray (NZL)
Guard
Date of birth: April 19, 2002 Height: 1.96 M (6'5")
While Mennenga and Davison delivered the energy, Taine Murray took the opportunity to flex his range. Proving he's a shooting guard in every sense of that term, the 24-year-old knocked down a total of 7 triples on the way to 25 points, which was easily the most he's had thus far in the World Cup Qualifiers - he was only averaging 3.8 points prior to their final game of the First Round, and never scored more than 6 points in their first five outings. He added 3 rebounds and 5 assists, and he did all that without committing a single turnover.
Fantasy points: 40
Bryce Cotton (AUS)
Guard
Date of birth: August 11, 1992 Height: 1.83 M (6'0")
Things were a bit tight between the Boomers and the Philippines until Coach Adam Caporn brought in Bryce Cotton. And the game would never be the same since as the 6-time NBL MVP went on to fire 13 points in the opening period alone, leading his side to a 33-14 lead which set the tone for their eventual 92-49 victory. Cotton finished with a game-high 21 points on top of 2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals to lead the way for the Aussies in making sure that they'd head into the Second Round undefeated with an immaculate 6-0 record.
Fantasy points: 32
FIBA