The Boomers beat Guam 93-80 in a result that felt a little underwhelming given their opponent’s world ranking of #79.

They remain unbeaten through the opening FIBA window, backing up their earlier wins over New Zealand last year.

Melbourne United guard Tanner Krebs led the way in his first senior call-up, knocking down eight threes to guide Australia to a 3-0 record in Group A.

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The second quarter proved decisive, with the other three periods virtually even, split by a draw and just two points combined.

Guam rode the crowd’s energy early, while the Australia men’s national basketball team looked rusty out of the blocks and shot well under 30% in the opening term.

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The game turned midway through the second when Elijah Pepper caught fire, drilling three straight threes to push the margin to 14, with Tanner Krebs adding key shot-making to steady the visitors.

From there it became a grind, but Australia did enough to avoid what would have been a historic upset given the gap in world rankings. Tom Wilson, Sam Froling and Nick Kay all finished in double figures, while the Boomers dominated the glass with an impressive 20 offensive rebounds.

Attention now turns to Sunday’s clash with the Philippines, a blockbuster rematch of the infamous 2018 “Basketbrawl”.

Nick Kay vs Guam in the FIBA World Cup Asia QualifierSource: Getty Images

AUSTRALIAN BOOMERS – PLAYER RATINGS

#2 | Isaac White – 2/10

Played solid minutes but couldn’t find his shot. Brought his usual effort, though overall a night to move past.

#6 | Reyne Smith – 1/10

A tough outing for the sharpshooter. One of two players held scoreless and picked up three fouls, confidence should bounce back quickly.

#7 | Kody Stattmann – 3/10

Seven minutes in his senior debut. Didn’t score but added two offensive boards, two assists and a big block, encouraging signs in limited time.

#12 | Tom Wilson – 6.5/10

Had a team-high four turnovers but flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. A very solid showing.

#13 | Sam Froling – 7.5/10

Highly efficient, posting 13 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double in just 24 minutes. Reliable throughout for the NBL25 champion.

#14 | Jack White – 4.5/10

A slightly frustrating night offensively, but still contributed with seven rebounds and two steals. Finished with four points from five attempts.

#15 | Nick Kay – 8/10

The glue once again. Tallied 10 points, 10 rebounds and four assists, plus a +22 in 32 minutes. Veteran impact all night.

#17 | Tanner Krebs – 9/10

Best on court. Exploded for 28 points and eight threes in his senior debut, doing it all in 28 minutes. A statement performance.

#21 | Jacob Holt – 1/10

Limited to seven minutes but got to the line and finished with two points. Valuable experience for the young big man.

#40 | Elijah Pepper – 8.5/10

Electric scoring burst with 23 points, two assists and a game-high four steals, plus a +32. His three quick triples in the second quarter shifted the game’s momentum. Great night for the Perth Wildcat

Australian Boomers vs Guam in the FIBA World Cup Asian QualifiersSource: getty

Australian Boomers squad

Mitch Creek (only active for game two due to Guam visa issues)

Sam Froling

Jacob Holt

Nick Kay

Tanner Krebs

David Okwera (out due to injury)

Elijah Pepper

Reyne Smith

Kody Stattmann

Isaac White

Jack White

Tom Wilson