New Zealand have notched their first men's basketball win over Australia in 11 years, prevailing 108-98 in an Asia Cup qualifier in Brisbane on Thursday.
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The visitors took advantage of a depleted Boomers side that blooded five debutants and was missing not only their overseas-based players, but also any player set to feature in next week's NBL finals.
Not since August 2009 had the Kiwis beaten the Boomers, when current captain Mika Vukona top-scored against an Australian outfit featuring a young Joe Ingles.
But they controlled proceedings at Nissan Arena, pulling away behind a 10-point second quarter from Reuben Te Rangi (21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists).
The Brisbane Bullets swingman was well supported by guard Shea Ili (21 points, six rebounds, five assists), Jordan Ngatai (19 points) and Rob Loe (19 points, nine rebounds).
Sam Froling, Angus Glover, Kyle Adnam, Sunday Dech and Dane Pineau all earned Boomers debuts, while exciting 17-year-old guard Josh Giddey will be hoping to join them when Australia plays Hong Kong in Brisbane on Sunday.
Cameron Gliddon and Nathan Sobey (both 13 points, four rebounds) were the only two Boomers in the side that finished fourth in last year's World Cup.
Todd Blanchfield led the Boomers with 17 points while Matt Hodgson had 11 points, nine boards and five assists.
The Boomers, defending Asia Cup champions, have already qualified for this year's Olympics and only need to beat Hong Kong and Guam to earn a spot to defend their title next year.
Australian Associated Press
