Boomers take first blood in Oceania Series

Australia's Wade Helliwell during a lay-up against the Tall Blacks. Photo © Jim Helsel Photography

The Australian Boomers have started well in the World Championship qualifying tournament in New Zealand, winning their first match against the Tall Blacks at Trust Stadium in Waitakere, Auckland 82-69.

The best of three Oceania Championships continues on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in Manukau and Dunedin.

After an MVP performance in the Boomers 4-Nations Tournament in Perth and Sydney last week, Sydney’s CJ Bruton continued to show top form, scoring 25 points for the match. European All-Star, David Andersen, also had an impressive match, scoring 14 points and being dominant under the basket. Wollongong forward Glen Saville was next best for the Aussies with 12 points.

Australia led throughout the entire match, and after a tight first quarter, blew their lead out to 20 points in the second period. A determined run by the Kiwis late in the half saw them cut Australia’s lead to a reachable target of 11. They kept up the pressure early in the third term, cutting the deficit to only nine points at one stage, but Australia halted the turn around and ran away with the match in the fourth quarter.

Andersen worked well with Matthew Nielsen and Wade Helliwell under the basket to give Australia a huge physical presence. They played great defence together, and also pulled down 17 offensive rebounds for their team. This was the catalyst for Australia’s offence and Bruton ensured their efforts were not wasted.

“This was a great team win,” Boomers coach Brian Goorjian said.

“We got it done on both ends of the floor.”

The next match of the series is to be played on Saturday afternoon, with the third on Sunday afternoon. The winner of the best of three series will take Oceania's number one seeding into the 2006 World Championships in Japan.

Boomers top scorers:
CJ Bruton 25, David Andersen 14, Glen Saville 12.

2005 Jeep Oceania Men's Championships:
New Zealand vs Australia

Tonight - Trust Stadium, Waitakere :: Aus won 82-69

Saturday, August 20 – Telstra Clear Pacific Events, Manukau 3:00pm*

Sunday, August 21 – Edgar Centre, Dunedin, 3:00pm*

*New Zealand is two hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Note: All start times are local.

Related Article:

Boomers touch down in NZ ahead of Oceania Champs (Tues Aug 16)