World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers: Bloomers beat Tall Blacks in Day 2 opener

Australia - New Zealand 85-79

Australia edged out New Zealand 85–79 in a tightly contested World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifier, rallying late after a momentum shift in the middle quarters. The Boomers opened strong with a 28–25 first quarter, but New Zealand responded with an impressive 24–14 second period to take a halftime lead. Australia regained control after the break, outscoring the Tall Blacks 24–18 in the third to nudge back ahead. In the decisive fourth quarter, Australia’s defense tightened while their offense stayed efficient, producing an 18–12 finish that sealed the six-point win. Consistency down the stretch and a strong first and third quarter proved the difference for the home side.
Jaylin Galloway (198-SF-2002) stepped up with 19 points and Angus Glover (192-G-1998) netted 17. Sam Mennenga (206-F-2001, college: Davidson) replied with 19 points in a loss.