REIGNING champion Australia and China beat separate foes to start the Fiba Asia 2025 qualifiers on a high note.
Australia defeated Korea, 85-71, while China beat Mongolia, 80-49, at the beginning of their separate bids to clinch spots in the Fiba Asia Cup 2025 tournament proper to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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The Boomers, coached by Brian Goorjian, are the defending titlists after ruling the 2022 edition by beating Lebanon, 75-73, in Jakarta.
Nick Kay had 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Boomers in their home game held at the Red Energy Arena in Bendigo, Australia.
Jinqu Hu had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Sasa Djordjevic side that is also out to bounce back from its quarterfinal finish in the last Fiba Asia Cup joust.
Thailand also opened the qualifiers on a high note, beating Southeast Asian neighbor Indonesia, 73-56.
Moses Morgan had 24 points for Thailand.
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