The Boomers have put together another excellent FIBA Asia Cup campaign and have a chance to make it a hattrick of titles when they take on China in the final on early Monday morning (2am AEST). The Aussies are the overwhelming favourites although China certainly have enough talent to make it interesting. We bring you our full preview and best bet for the game below!
FIBA Asia Cup Australia vs China Final Preview & Tip
Boomers Shooting for Three in a Row
Australia has blazed a trail of destruction en route to the FIBA Asia Cup final, looking every bit the unbeatable force that has dominated the competition since 2017. The Boomers are not just undefeated; they have been utterly dominant, winning every game by a significant margin. This ruthless efficiency was on full display in their semi-final, where they systematically dismantled a resilient Iran side in a staggering 92-48 victory. With a deep, versatile roster where every player contributes, Australia has showcased a combination of offensive firepower and defensive intensity that no team has come close to matching, making them the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy for a third consecutive time.
Are China Capable of an Upset?
Standing in the Boomers way is the tournament's other undefeated team, China. Returning to the final for the first time in a decade, "Team Dragon" has demonstrated immense quality and composure. Their journey was capped by a hard-fought 98-84 semi-final victory over a tough New Zealand team, a match where their veteran leadership and clutch shooting shone through in the final quarter. While they haven't produced the same eye-watering victory margins as Australia, China's perfect record and ability to win high-pressure games prove they are a formidable opponent, hungry to reclaim their historical position atop Asian basketball.
Head-to-Head History
Recent history between these two nations heavily favours the Australians. The Boomers have won 11 of their last 13 encounters with China, including a 97-71 victory in the 2017 Asia Cup. Their most recent competitive games during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers also went Australia's way, although one of those was a tight 76-69 contest, proving that China has the capability to challenge the Boomers and make them work for a victory. This final presents a classic clash between the undisputed current kings and the resurgent former powerhouse of Asian basketball.
Who Wins and Who Covers the Spread?
Australia's imperious form makes them the clear choice to win the final and secure a historic three-peat. However, China's undefeated run and gritty performance against New Zealand suggest they are a far tougher opponent than the semi-finalists Australia brushed aside. While the Boomers should ultimately have too much depth and top-end talent, expect a proud and determined Chinese team to put up a significant fight. Australia will likely lift the trophy, but China has the quality and resolve to keep the final score respectable and cover the +17.5 point spread.
