AUSTRALIA breezed past Syria, 123-64, on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena to stay undefeated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
Elijah Pepper went 8-of-12 from threes to finish with 32 points in the Boomers’ 59-point victory to improve its win-loss record to 7-0 to start the second round of the qualification tournament.
Pepper picked up where he left off from his last World Cup qualification game last March 1 where he had 28 points on 5-of-14 shooting from threes in a 93-66 victory against Gilas Pilipinas, also at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Syria fell to 2-5.
“He is a world-class scorer,” Australia coach Jacob Chance said. “He showed it everywhere he’s played being in the NBL back home or in the New Zealand season with Wellington.”
Luke Travers added 14 points, while Josh Bannan and Anthony Dell’Orso had 11 points apiece for the Boomers.
Australia looks to close the fourth window with a sweep in its game against Jordan on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Syria faces another tough foe in New Zealand, also on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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