The Australian Boomers produced a dominant 93-66 win over the Philippines, drawing a line under the long-running ‘Basketbrawl’ saga with a competitive contest in front of the host nations home crowd.

The victory lifts Australia to 4-0, keeping them unbeaten through the opening FIBA window. They now face a break of several months before the final first-round games, with both Guam and the Philippines set to visit Australia. The venue is yet to be confirmed, though head coach John Rillie indicated post-game that Perth is expected to host.

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Australia began slowly, echoing their outing against Guam, shooting 25% in the first quarter for just 14 points, narrowly ahead 14-12. The tempo shifted in the second period as the offence found rhythm. Elijah Pepper scored 10 in the quarter while Tanner Krebs added nine, helping build a 38-33 half-time lead.

The Boomers relied heavily on perimeter shooting, going 5/20 from deep, and at times looked like a group still building chemistry. Defensively, however, they forced nine turnovers and controlled the boards with 25 rebounds.

The game broke open in the third quarter as Mitch Creek and Nick Kay drove a 30-point period built on patient offense and improved ball movement. Australia’s dominance on the glass continued, extending the rebound margin to 36-27. Pepper, already up to 21 points by late in the quarter, carried his scoring form from the Guam game.

By midway through the fourth, the result was beyond doubt. The Philippines struggled from the perimeter while Australia capitalised in transition, stretching the margin to 27 before closing out the 93-66 win. Pepper finished with 28 points and Krebs added 18 in a comprehensive team performance.

The second phase of the first round is now complete, with the campaign set to conclude in July when Australia hosts the remaining fixtures. With four wins secured, the Boomers have already progressed to the second round, leaving the upcoming games with less at stake in the broader picture.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – MARCH 01: Players of Australia celebrate after winning during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Group A Asian Qualifier between Philippines v Australia at Mall of Asia Arena on March 01, 2026 in Manila, Philippines. (Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

AUSTRALIAN BOOMERS – PLAYER RATINGS

#2 | Isaac White – 4/10
Less minutes this game with just under 10 minutes, but produce some good stats with 5 points, 2 rebound and 2 assists – a nice well-rounded game.

#6 | Reyne Smith – N/A

Only the five minutes tonight and just the two field goal attempts, not enough minutes to produce a score.

#7 | Kody Stattmann – DNP

#12 | Tom Wilson – 7/10

Another very well-rounded game in 27 minutes of gametime. Wilson continued to be the leading facilitator, scoring 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists before fouling out. Good game.

#13 | Sam Froling – 6.5/10

Played just shy of 20 minutes, but piled the stats on the rebounding end despite just scoring 3 points from five attempts. Had three assists to add to his 7 rebounds and was +9 for the game. Solid.

#14 | Jack White – 5/10

Played a good game in 14 minutes of action with 6 points and 2 rebounds, but with the blowout in the second half, his services weren’t needed as much.

#15 | Nick Kay – 8.5/10

Continues to lead the team to victory through his hustle, IQ and all-round leadership. 8points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks on a whopping +27? Elite performance.

#17 | Tanner Krebs – 8/10

Coming off a 28 point outing to Guam, Krebs continued his lights out shooting, scoring 18 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists while hitting 4/8 from deep. One of the best Boomers throughout this FIBA window.

#21 | Jacob Holt – N/A

Did not played enough to get a score unfortunately.

#40 | Elijah Pepper – 9/10

Poured in a game-high 28 points, shooting 11/24 (45%) while also grabbing 7 rebounds and a tied game-high +29? He is the MVP for this match and possibly the entire weekend.

#55 | Mitch Creek – 8/10

Did not play against Guam but came out with a solid all-round match against the Philippines. 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steals in 25 minutes of action. He showcased why he is a veteran amongst this group.

Australia vs Philippines: FIBA World Cup Asia QualifiersSource: Getty Images

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