Australia has turned the FIBA Asia Cup into its personal playground. The Boomers captured their third straight continental crown after outlasting China, 90-89, in a nail-biting final Monday (Manila time) at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The win didn’t just add another trophy to Australia’s cabinet—it underscored a shifting power dynamic in Asian basketball. For decades, China lorded over the competition. Now, it’s Australia’s dominance that defines the region.
Xavier Cooks was unstoppable, torching China with 30 points and nine rebounds while leading the Boomers back from a 15-point deficit. The former Washington Wizards forward hit big shot after big shot, keeping Australia’s unbeaten run alive.
China still had a chance to flip the script. Hu Mingxuan, who poured in 26 points, managed to shake free for a clean look at a game-winning three. The ball, however, clanged off the rim as time expired—sealing China’s heartbreak and Australia’s dynasty.
Jaylin Galloway, who powered the Aussies with 23 points and five rebounds, was named tournament MVP, further cementing his breakout tournament. William Hickey added 15 points, delivering in crunch moments when the Boomers needed him most.
For China, the loss was devastating. Once the standard-bearer of Asian basketball, the nation hasn’t touched gold since 2015. Despite strong efforts from Hu Jinqiu (20 points, 10 rebounds) and Cheng Shuaipeng (12 points), they could only watch as Australia celebrated what used to be their territory.
Australia’s three-peat puts them in rare company, matching China’s own run of dominance two decades ago. But unlike China’s previous reign, the Boomers’ supremacy comes with a different message: Asian basketball’s landscape has permanently shifted.
Meanwhile, Iran salvaged bronze with a gritty 79-73 win over New Zealand, claiming its first Asia Cup medal since finishing runner-up in 2017.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Australia. The Boomers didn’t just win—they cemented themselves as the undisputed kings of Asia, leaving China to wonder if its golden era is gone for good.