Boomers blast Hong Kong in pool game

AN early long- bomb barrage set the tone for a dominant Australian side as the Boomers cruised to a 41- point win over Hong Kong in the FIBA Asia Cup in Lebanon.

And a victory over Chinese Taipei in the final pool game tonight will give Australia direct entry to the quarter- finals.

The Boomers hit five three- pointers from eight attempts in the opening term against Hong Kong with Bullets sharpshooter Daniel Kickert and Cairns captain Cam Gliddon getting the ball rolling for Australia who took a decisive 28- 15 buffer into the first break.

The Boomers outscored Hong Kong 28- 15 in the second term to put the game on ice by halftime.

Australia enjoyed a 48- 26 rebounding advantage and 27 assists in the 99- 58 rout where six Australian players hit double figures.

Todd Blanchfield topscored with 18 points for the Boomers while Kickert ( 11 points, five rebounds, four assists) and Gliddon ( 12 points) continued their good form from the tournament opener against Japan.

Mitch Creek was outstanding with 15 points, nine re- bounds, two steals.

The NBL Blitz pre- season tournament will be played in Victoria’s Traralgon and Melbourne from September 7- 10.

Brisbane will play Cairns in Melbourne on the last day of the tournament. The Bullets will take on Sydney and Adelaide to open their campaign while the Taipans will play New Zealand and Illawarra. assists and two