World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers: Australia escape with narrow win over New Zealand

New Zealand - Australia 77-79

Australia narrowly defeated New Zealand 79–77 in a tense World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifier that swung back and forth across four quarters. Australia started slightly stronger, taking a two-point lead after the opening period, while both teams matched each other in a tightly contested second quarter. New Zealand surged in the third with a 25-point effort that briefly shifted momentum in their favor, but Australia responded with a composed and efficient fourth quarter, outscoring the hosts 22–15 to reclaim the lead late. Despite New Zealand’s attempts to force a final swing, Australia’s steadiness in the closing possessions secured the hard-fought two-point victory.
Keanu Pinder (210-F/C-1995, college: Arizona) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Nick Kay (206-PF-1992, college: MSU Denver) poured in 20. Sam Mennenga (206-F-2001, college: Davidson) ended up with 16 points in defeat.