Boomers in qualify rout

AUSTRALIA’S Boomers will advance to the second round of FIBA World Cup qualifying after recording a comfortable 88-68 victory over Taiwan in Melbourne yesterday.

The Boomers controlled the match from start to finish to remain undefeated with a 4-0 record in Asia zone Group B.

Australia is now guaranteed to finish in the top three of its group and a place in the next round of qualifiers, starting in September.

Making the most of their advantage under the basket, the Boomers took charge in the first half as they outscored Taiwan 32-8 in the paint, with the visitors only grabbing three rebounds in the first quarter.

Mitch Creek made all nine shot attempts to lead the Boomers with 18 points and nine rebounds.

Taiwan guard Chen Ying-Chun scored 13 points in the third quarter on his way to a game-high 22 points.

Both teams struggled to find the basket in the second quarter until Taiwan cut the margin to eight points with five minutes remaining in the half.

But a Nathan Sobey triple in the final seconds sent Australia ahead 47-25 at the main break.

The Boomers utilised their depth in the final quarter with the match in their keeping.

They complete the first round of qualifiers in June with away fixtures against Japan and the Philippines.