(Reuters/KL) – Australia landed a third straight Asia Cup title when China’s Hu Mingxuan missed a three-point buzzer beater at the end of Sunday’s final, leaving the Boomers to lift the trophy with a 90-89 victory at Jeddah’s King Abdullah Sports City. Earlier on Sunday, Iran beat New Zealand’s Tall Blacks 79-73 to secure third place.
Xavier Cooks, who was named game MVP, scored 30 points and tournament MVP Jaylin Galloway poured in 23 as Australia fought back from an early deficit to deny China a record-extending 17th triumph in the continental championship.
“The main thing is I am so proud of the character of our guys,” said Boomers coach Adam Caporn.
“We were down by 15, but we saw our players’ toughness, their problem-solving attitude. We have great people in the programme, and in my opinion that’s why we won.”
Hu was the standout for China with 26 points and captain Zhao Rui said coming so close to snatching the title proved the team were on the right track.
“This loss actually motivates us,” he said. “Some fans probably didn’t expect a close game, but we delivered a wonderful game for the fans tonight.
“This one-point loss will remind us to work harder and get better. Today is just the start, not the end.”
Australia joined FIBA’s Asian zone from Oceania a decade ago and Sunday’s victory kept them unbeaten in 18 Asia Cup matches going back to their debut in 2017.
