Boomers, Opals defeat New Zealand in Trans-Tasman Throwdown openers
Adelaide 36ers captain Dejan Vasiljevic's perimeter brilliance in front of his home NBL audience and a third-quarter masterclass of smothering team defence have launched the Boomers to an 80-68 victory over New Zealand.
In the opening game of the inaugural Trans-Tasman Throwdown on Wednesday, Australia were behind the eight-ball in the opening two quarters in front of 8447 fans at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre before seizing total control with a 23-9 third term.
Vasiljevic (23 points) and Perth Wildcats guard Elijah Pepper (16) knocked down five three-pointers each in the first meeting between the two countries since the 2022 Asia Cup semi-finals in Jakarta, which the Boomers won, and the first bilateral series between the rivals since 2015.
'Really pleased with our defensive effort in the second half,' Australia coach Dean Vickerman said.
'Once we really sat down and slowed down their pace, we made it more difficult for them to put their feet in the keyway... There will be really good learnings from that one about how we get better as a group.'
New Zealand Breaker Reuben Te Rangi paced the Kiwis with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Melbourne United's Shea Ili contributed 12 points.
With former 36er and Chicago Bulls star Josh Giddey sitting courtside with the Atlanta Hawks' Dyson Daniels, voted the NBA's 2024-25 Most Improved Player, the Boomers were sluggish out of the blocks.
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