THE AUSTRALIAN Boomers have advanced to the semi finals at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup following their win over the Philippines in their quarter final clash in Saudi Arabia last night, with a team performance leading the way.

The Boomers came into the tournament as favourites to win it all and looking to defend their title as reigning champions. They had put together some dominant displays throughout the group stage, and advanced straight through to the quarter finals with a perfect record of three wins from three outings in the first week.

It was the first time these two sides locked horns since the infamous 2018 encounter that was abandoned after a brawl brought play to a grinding halt, although Wednesday’s outing was played in great spirits in a positive step forward.

The Aussies were able to get the job done on the back of a terrific level of production from the entire team, with five players scoring in double-digits as the Boomers cruised home to a 24-point win.

Australian Boomers (84) def. Philippines (60)

The Boomers were electric in the first quarter, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the opening minutes of the contest and showing exactly why they are the team to beat for 2025. It took just four minutes for the Australians to jump out to a 16-4 lead in dominant fashion, beginning to connect on shots from long range. The ball movement was sublime from the Aussies, and the Philippines simply could not match that level of production, with Australia leading by 17 points after a quarter of play.

The second quarter saw the Aussies maintain their momentum from the opening frame, continuing to dominate on the offensive end and swing the ball around to create open looks. Although it was an improved effort from the opposition, the Philippines saw the deficit blow out to 20 points by the time the buzzer sounded for half time.

The Philippines were certainly improved in the third quarter, winning the period 22-21 and finally looking dangerous on the offensive end, they were unable to contain the Aussies on the defensive end. The Boomers were still able to keep the opposition at arms’ length heading into the last quarter, still boasting a 19-point buffer at the last change.

The final quarter saw fatigue begin to play a role, and scoring slowed down from both teams with a combined 25 points scored for the quarter. However, the Boomers were still too good for the Philippines in the scrappy close to the game, cruising home to a 24-point triumph to move one step closer to another championship.

There were plenty of contributors for the Aussies, with Owen Foxwell leading the way with a team-high 17 points in less than 22 minutes of court time, shooting 7/13 from the field. Jaylin Galloway continued his strong tournament with another 15 point-performance, having been Australia’s best player and nearly the most impressive performer of the entire Asia Cup to date.

Jack McVeigh was his usual reliable self on the offensive end, posting 12 points, while star frontcourt duo Will Magnay and Xavier Cooks each posted 10 points while combining for 13 rebounds as the pair controlled the paint.

The Boomers will turn their attention to Saturday’s semi final, where they will take on Iran for a spot in the tournament final.