Australia extends dominance with FIBA Asia Cup three-peat

Australia claimed the gold for the third straight time in the FIBA Asia Cup after surviving a nail-biting finish against China, 90-89, on Monday morning, August 18 (PH time), at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Boomers, who have been undefeated in the tournament since joining the Asia Cup in 2017, once again proved their resilience on the biggest stage. But before clinching their third consecutive crown, the Australians had to claw back from a double-digit deficit as they trailed by as many as 15 points through the first three quarters.

Refusing to bow down, the Boomers tightened their defense in the final frame, slowly chipping away at China’s lead. Their pressure finally paid off when William Hickey converted a putback off an offensive rebound with 1:03 left, giving Australia a slim edge.

China still had a chance to spoil the party, setting up for one last possession. However, Hu Mingxuan’s desperation three-pointer at the buzzer fell short, allowing the Aussies to escape with the hard-earned victory.

Xavier Cooks spearheaded the comeback with a game-high 30 points, showing why he has become one of Australia’s most reliable weapons. Jaylin Galloway also provided timely firepower, drilling six three-pointers on the way to 23 markers, including two clutch makes that swung momentum in the dying minutes.

Despite falling short, China showcased its strength and nearly reclaimed its place at the top of Asian basketball—a distinction it last held in 2015 when it captured the Asia Cup in Changsha after defeating Gilas Pilipinas in the finals. Hu Mingxuan led Team Dragon with 26 points on a red-hot 5-of-7 clip from beyond the arc, while Hu Jinqiu backed him up with 20 markers.

Meanwhile, in the bronze medal match, Iran displayed its trademark grit, outlasting another Oceania powerhouse, New Zealand, 79-73, to secure a spot on the podium.

With the win, Australia further cemented its dominance in Asia, extending an unbeaten run that now includes three straight Asia Cup titles, while China and Iran reminded the region that they remain forces to be reckoned with moving forward.