FIBA Asia Cup 2022 actions draw to an end with an emphatic win for Australia. The final turned out a nail-biter in the last quarter when Lebanon unleashed its beast mode. However, the lead in the first three quarters was just enough to take the boomers home. Australia beat Lebanon 75-73.
This is Boomer’s second consecutive Asia Cup win and this time they have done it with their ace NBA players. The match, though felt one-sided from the start, Lebanon did come back strong in the last quarter. Australia had maintained a healthy lead of double-digit throughout the game but the last quarter saw a spectacular comeback. Lebanon almost made it but the clutch shot in the end went off target. Australia held on to its dear life.
For most of the game, the Boomers had the lead, the lead went up to 16 in the second quarter. And by 15 with just over six minutes to the buzzer. However, Lebanon’s phenomenal play in the fourth quarter shrinks the lead to just one point. It was that one converted free throw that gave Australia the final two-point lead. With the clock running out, Lebanon’s big guy Ali Haider took a shy at three points but went off target.
Australia ?? remain the kings of #FIBAAsiaCup! What a finish! ?@BasketballAus
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? App Store: https://t.co/lqGO3Q7o0s pic.twitter.com/F2JVYXGeyr— ? FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAAsiaCup) July 24, 2022
“We were playing well for a while and felt really good about how we were playing and keeping a lead — and next thing you know it’s a dogfight,” acting Boomers coach Mike Kelly said.
“It comes down to being able to make shots, make free throws, and they did that better than us in the fourth and we had built up enough interest in the first three quarters to cash that out in the fourth, and we hung tough.
“I think in that fourth quarter we were just holding on for dear life and hoping that we could make some baskets as well, and in the end, we made just enough.”
Australia’s Thon Maker enjoyed top form in the final game. His form was top-notch throughout the tournament. He made 14 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and three assists, along with earth-shattering powerful dunks.
Thon Maker playing showtime basketball in a dominant start by Australia vs. Lebanon! ??@BasketballAus
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? App Store: https://t.co/lqGO3Q7o0s pic.twitter.com/W9VNshfohH— ? FIBA Asia Cup (@FIBAAsiaCup) July 24, 2022
Lebanon’s star player Arakji couldn’t quite break through the defenses of the Boomers in the first three quarters. But he scored valuable 15 points in the last quarter and finished with 28. He scored five out of six three-pointers attempts.
FIBA Asia All-Star Five
The Boomer’s two team members made it to the All-Star; Maker and McCarron. Moreover, Lebanon’s Arakji also became an All-Star along with the MVP of the tournament. He averaged 26 points per game.
New Zealand also made it to the riches by winning the bronze beating Jordan. The third fourth place playoff saw New Zealand beating Jordan 83-75.
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