BASKETBALL – AUSTRALIA marched into the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 Final in commanding fashion, dismantling Iran 92-48 in the semi-finals yesterday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah to extend their unbeaten run to five games.
In today’s final, Australia will face similarly undefeated 16-time champions China, who beat New Zealand earlier yesterday.
Every Boomers player got on the scoreboard in a performance that showcased depth, discipline and dominance. Jack McVeigh led the way with 17 points and three triples, while Harry Wessels had 16 points and William Hickey chipped in 14 as Australia practically controlled the game from start to finish.
Hickey added 6 rebounds and 6 assists in an all-around display, while Wessels provided a steady defensive presence. Owen Foxwell set the tone early with steals and a key three-pointer, and Jack White delivered highlight-reel slams to keep the energy high.
For Iran, Sina Vahedi top-scored with 11 points including two triples, while Mobin Sheikhi had eight points, four rebounds and three assists. Star forward Mohammad Amini was limited to just two points on 1-of-9 shooting as the Boomers’ defence smothered his usual offensive spark.
“It was a tough game for us,” Vahedi said. “We started good, but step by step, we lost confidence and focus on offence and defence. After, they just dominated the game. We should now focus on our next game and hope to get a medal.”
Australia weathered Iran’s early punches in the first quarter, answering with back-to-back triples from McVeigh and Reyne Smith plus a technical foul free throw to close the period up 27-20. From there, the Boomers found another gear. The second quarter saw a 24-9 burst led by Foxwell’s perimeter shooting and inside dominance from White, Will Magnay and Wessels, giving the Aussies a 51-29 halftime cushion.
If the first half had Iran scrambling, the third quarter finished the job. McVeigh’s quick five points, punishing runs from Hickey and Wessels, and relentless defensive pressure resulted in a staggering 29-8 frame that pushed the margin to 80-37. By the time Joshua Bannan’s corner triple dropped, the game was long decided.
The final quarter was about managing minutes and maintaining focus, with Wessels continuing to score inside and Australia’s defence ensuring Iran never threatened. The Boomers’ balanced attack, rim protection and transition efficiency proved too much for a young Team Melli still finding their identity after earlier comeback wins in the tournament.
Earlier, Zhao Rui delivered a masterclass with 24 points and five triples to guide China past New Zealand, 98-84.
The veteran guard set the tone in a high-stakes clash between two unbeaten sides, helping China secure their first appearance in the Fiba Asia Cup final in a decade and improving their record to 5-0. The Tall Blacks, meanwhile, saw their inspired run halted, finishing the tournament at 4-1.
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