By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
In the opening of Window 2 for the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Australia maintained its perfect record with a 93-80 victory over Guam at the UOG Calvo Field House. Melbourne United’s Tanner Krebs made a spectacular senior national team debut, leading all scorers with 28 points behind an impressive eight three-pointers. Elijah Pepper added 23 points, while veterans Sam Froling and Nick Kay anchored the interior with double-doubles. Despite a 25-point performance from Guam’s BJ Freeman, Australia’s second-half surge moved them to 3-0 in Group A.
In other Group A action at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, New Zealand relied on a gritty defensive effort to narrowly defeat the Philippines 69-66. After four lead changes, the Tall Blacks built an 11-point advantage and held off a late Gilas Pilipinas rally that brought the hosts within two points in the final minute. Sam Mennenga recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds, while Max Darling led the team with 11 points. Dwight Ramos paced the Philippines with 16 points in the loss.
Group B saw a significant shift in momentum as China overcame a 15-point deficit at the Okinawa Arena to stun Japan 87-80. Hu Jinqiu dominated the paint with 20 points and 12 rebounds, helping Team Dragon bounce back from a winless first window. Meanwhile, at Xinzhuang Gymnasium, Chinese Taipei improved to 1-2 with a convincing 77-65 win over Korea, keeping the race for qualification wide open at the midway point of the four-country sprint.
FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers
Standings
Group A
1. Australia 6 (3-0)
2. Philippines 5 (2-1)
3. New Zealand 4 (1-2)
4. Guam 3 (0-3)
Group B
1. Japan 5 (2-1)
2. Korea 5 (2-1)
3. China 4 (1-2)
4. Chinese Taipei 4 (1-2)
Group C
1. Jordan 4 (2-0)
2. Iran 4 (2-0)
3. Iraq 2 (0-2)
4. Syria 2 (0-2)
Group D
1. Saudi Arabia 4 (2-0)
2. Qatar 3 (1-1)
3. Lebanon 3 (1-1)
4. India 2 (0-2)
-Top 3 teams from each group advance to the Second Round of the Qualifiers
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