Australia Clinches Third Straight FIBA Asia Cup With Nail-Biting Win Over China

Australia captured its third consecutive FIBA Asia Cup title on Sunday, edging China 90-89 in a dramatic final at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah.

The Boomers trailed for most of the game, falling behind by as many as 15 points before mounting a late comeback. Xavier Cooks led the charge with 30 points and nine rebounds, while Jaylin Galloway added 23 points and William Hickey chipped in 15.

With just over a minute left, Hickey sank the go-ahead basket to put Australia in front for the first time. China had a chance to win, but Hu Mingxuan’s last-second shot rimmed out. Hu finished with 26 points, while Hu Jinqiu posted 20 points and 10 rebounds.

The victory makes Australia only the second team to win three Asia Cups in a row, extending its unbeaten streak in the competition to 18 games since joining in 2017. China was the first nation to complete a three-peat, in 2003, and remains the tournament’s most decorated team with 16 titles.

Despite the narrow loss, China’s silver marked its first Asia Cup medal in a decade, last winning gold in 2015. Cheng Shuaipeng scored 12 points and Zhao Rui added 10.

Boomers head coach Adam Caporn praised his squad’s resilience: “We were down by 15, but the toughness and problem-solving of our players showed. That’s why we won.”

In the third-place playoff, Iran beat New Zealand 79-73.

Australia was crowned champions of the 31st edition by Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee vice president Prince Fahd bin Jalawi, alongside international and regional basketball officials.