Australia take 2-0 lead in New Zealand Series.

The third match-up of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown saw the Tall Blacks beaten 92-67 by the Australian Boomers in a hard-nosed contest on the Sunshine Coast. The victory gives Australia a 2-0 lead in the best of three series with the third game to be played in Hamilton, New Zealand.

The game began fairly evenly, with not much scoring. Unfortunately for the Kiwi’s, it seemed the Boomers strangling defensive efforts from the second half of game one continued. The Boomers managing to keep a slight edge through great interior defence thanks to teen sensation Austin Rapp and Harry Wessels who dominated down low to help the home side to a 18-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

A big positive out of quarter one was the return of Finn Delany to the Tall Black singlet, who joined the squad in the Sunshine Coast. Despite Delany's best efforts to wrestle momentum back, the Boomers' defence remained stout.

In the second quarter, the Boomers continued their defensive dominance, shutting down the Tall Blacks' attack. The Tall Blacks early struggles continued in the second, however, Taylor Britt (188-G-1996, college: Southeast CC)'s hot-hand managed to help reduce the margin to 11 points.

The Boomers pulled away towards the end of the quarter, with Todd Blanchfield hitting two three-pointers, extending their lead to 42-28 at halftime.

The Tall Blacks started the third quarter with renewed energy, taking advantage of the Boomers' stagnant offense. Taylor Britt led the charge, scoring a game-high 19 points and bringing the score difference to 10 points heading into the final quarter.

Despite a strong start in the fourth quarter, the Tall Blacks lost momentum. The Boomers maintained their lead, with Harry Wessels excelling defensively, recording 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. The Tall Blacks' turnovers proved costly, allowing the Boomers to capitalize and secure a 92-67 victory in game three of the Trans-Tasman Throwdown.

Key players included Xavier Cooks for the Boomers and Taylor Britt for the Tall Blacks, both delivering standout performances.

Australian Boomers 92 (Cooks 16, Pepper 12, Blanchfield 11) defeat Tall Blacks 67 (Britt 19, Ili 18, Delany 8)