Australia noses out China to claim 3rd straight FIBA Asia Cup title

Sports

AUSTRALIA survived China by the skin of its teeth, 90-89, to emerge as champion anew in the FIBA Asia Cup at the wee hours of Monday (Philippine time), August 18, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Boomers clawed back from a 15-point deficit, proving to be the steadier team in the endgame to complete a three-peat and stay unbeaten since joining the tournament in 2017.

Australia, which ousted Gilas Pilipinas in the quarterfinal round, improved to 18-0 in the tournament that is being held every four years.

Xavier Cooks finished with 30 points and nine rebounds while Jaylin Galloway pitched in 23 points and five boards for Australia, which became just the second team to complete a treble.

Incidentally, China is the first team to win three straight titles in the tournament.

William Hickey added 15 markers for Australia, including a the go-ahead basket in the final 1:09.

Hu led China with 26 points while Hu Jinqiu put in h 20 points and 10 rebounds. Cheng Shuaipeng and Zhao Rui contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively.

By securing the silver medal, China pocketed its first medal in a decade or since winning the gold in the tournament’s 2015 edition.

Taking the bronze medal was Iran, which shocked New Zealand in the battle for third, 79-73.(CCM)