Australia punched its ticket to Round 2 of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers after defeating Guam, 93-80, on Thursday at the University of Guam Field House.
The Boomers improved to 3-0 in Group A, becoming the first team to advance to Group E.
Coming off back-to-back wins in Window 1, where they narrowly beat the Tall Blacks with an average margin of 3.5 points per game, Australia needed to shake off a slow start to secure this victory.
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Tied at 17-all after the opening frame, the Boomers erupted in the second quarter, with Elijah Pepper catching fire from deep. Pepper scored 16 of his 23 points in the quarter, including four triples, helping Australia to a 29-point quarter and a 46-33 lead.
From there, Australia cruised, extending their lead to as much as 22 points.
Four other Boomers scored in double figures, with Tanner Krebs leading the way with 28 points, including eight three-pointers.
Sam Froling and Nick Kay both recorded double-doubles — Froling with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Kay with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Tom Wilson added 11 points.
Australia will next face Gilas Men at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
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For Guam, now teetering on the brink of elimination, BJ Freeman led the team with 25 points, nine rebounds, six steals, and four assists. Takumi Simon added 19 points.
Jericho Cruz was limited to just nine points on 4-of-10 shooting. Guam will host New Zealand on Sunday.
