Hickey delivers again as Boomers sweep Tall Blacks in qualifiers

Joseph Guenzler Published December 2, 2025 at 10.15am (AWST)

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Will Hickey has hit clutch shots in both games as Australia swept New Zealand. Image: Steve Bell.

Will "Davo" Hickey has stunned the Tall Blacks with a contested three-pointer on the final possession in Wellington, draining the game winner to seal Australia's 79-77 victory in their second FIBA World Cup qualifier.

The Gamilaroi / Wiradjuri man banked the shot in from the right wing as the clock expired, completed a late Boomers comeback that Australian viewers did not see after ESPN's broadcast dropped out with 2:35 remaining.

Australia overturned a late deficit through free throws from Hickey, Keanu Pinder and Nick Kay before Hickey produced his second game winner in three days.

Pinder led the Boomers with 21 points and five rebounds in a powerful showing inside.

Kay added 20 points and continued his efficient scoring run.

Hickey contributed at both ends, combining defensive stops with the decisive final possession.

Sam Mennenga led New Zealand with 16 points, while Mojave King added 13 points and five assists.

Friday night's opening match in Hobart set the tone for the window, with the Boomers defeating the Tall Blacks 84-79 in front of a sell-out crowd at MyState Arena.

Australia used all 12 players in the opening quarter and built early momentum, but New Zealand stayed close behind strong minutes from Tyrell Harrison and Mennenga.

Hickey once again shaped the result late, rising on the right wing to hit a clutch three that pushed Australia ahead by four inside the final 40 seconds.

Jack White followed with a block at the rim to deny Flynn Cameron and shut down the Tall Blacks' last chance.

Jaylin Galloway led Australia with 19 points in Game 1, while Pinder, Kay and Josh Bannan provided important contributions across the front court.

Mennenga replied with 19 points and 10 rebounds to keep the visitors in the contest.

The two wins place Australia on top of Group A at the start of their 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign.

The results extend the Boomers' strong run following their undefeated Asia Cup title and highlight the rising impact of Hickey and the consistent presence of Pinder as Australia builds early momentum in the qualifying path.