In a heart-stopping final in Jeddah, Australia clinched their third straight FIBA Asia Cup title with a 90-89 win over China 🏀⚡️. Xavier Cooks starred with a game-high 30 points, keeping the Boomers unbeaten at this tournament with 18 straight victories since their debut in 2017.
China came out strong, leading 25-17 after the first quarter thanks to back-to-back buckets from Hu Jinqiu and Hu Mingxuan. They even stretched the lead to 15 points in the second period before Australia cut it to a four-point deficit by halftime.
The final quarter was a see-saw battle as both teams swapped leads multiple times. After Cooks knocked down key free throws to put Australia up 90-87, China’s captain Zhao Rui hit two free throws to make it 90-89. With just 3.9 seconds left, Hu Mingxuan’s last shot rimmed out, sealing the narrowest of victories for the Boomers.
Fans from Kolkata’s streetball courts to Manila’s hoop dreams were on the edge of their seats as the nail-biter played out. With this win, Australia solidifies its Asia Cup dynasty and sets the stage for more epic showdowns in future FIBA events 🔥🙌.
Reference(s):
Australia edges China to capture third straight title at FIBA Asia Cup
cgtn.com
