Australia secured a 79–77 win in Wellington to complete a two-game sweep against New Zealand in the 2027 FIBA World Cup 2027 Asia Qualifiers, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer by William Hickey.
Late heroics decide tight battle
The final quarter in Wellington saw Australia facing a slender deficit, but Hickey who had already buried a key triple in the first game nailed the match-winning shot as time expired. The guard finished with 12 points on the night.
Supporting stars delivered too: Keanu Pinder and Nick Kay dropped 21 and 20 points respectively, bolstering Australia’s late rally.
Strong showing from New Zealand falls just short
For the hosts, Sam Mennenga led the charge with 16 points, sparking a third-quarter surge including a thunderous dunk reviving hope for a home court win.
Despite dominating the boards and edging several periods, New Zealand couldn’t find points in the final moments. A quiet finish cost them dearly as Australia closed it out with clutch composure.
What this means for both sides
The sweep hands Australia a commanding 2-0 start in Group A of the qualifiers, putting them top of their group as the campaign gathers pace.
For New Zealand fans, the loss stings, but the close margins and glimpses of fight suggest the rivalry remains alive and well ahead of upcoming fixtures.
Locals following the qualifiers should watch the schedule closely: every game counts in determining which teams progress toward the World Cup.
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