Australia Secures Historic Third Consecutive FIBA Asian Cup Championship in Dramatic Final
JEDDA, SAUDI ARABIA – In a nail-biting finish, Australia has clinched the 2025 FIBA Asian Cup title, defeating host nation China 90-89. This victory marks an unprecedented third consecutive championship for the Australian national team, solidifying their dominance in Asian basketball. This is breaking news that will reverberate throughout the sporting world, and we’re bringing you the details first on archyde.com.
A Thrilling Final Down to the Wire
The final in Jeddah was a back-and-forth affair, with China holding a narrow lead 71-68 heading into the fourth quarter. Australia mounted a dramatic comeback, fueled by clutch shooting and tenacious defense. With just a minute remaining, William Hiki’s two-point shot flipped the script, giving Australia the lead. A subsequent free throw extended their advantage, but the game wasn’t over. China had one last chance, but their three-point attempt at the buzzer fell short, sealing the victory for the Australians.
Photo: FIBA Asia Cup Official Social Network Service (SNS)
Galloway Named Tournament MVP, Cooks Leads Scoring
Jilin Galloway was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), averaging an impressive 15.7 points per game with a remarkable 64.3% three-point shooting accuracy. He also earned a spot on the All-Tournament team alongside Jack McBay (Australia), Hujin Chu, Wang Junjie (China), and Sina Baedi (Iran). Australia’s JBER Cooks led all scorers in the final with a dominant performance of 30 points and 9 rebounds, while Galloway contributed 23 points and 5 rebounds. Jack McBay, playing professionally in the NBA, added 11 points to the winning effort.
Australia’s Unstoppable Run & China’s Decade-Long Drought
Australia’s journey to the championship was nothing short of dominant. They entered the tournament ranked seventh in the FIBA world rankings and didn’t drop a single game, extending their winning streak in the Asian Cup to three consecutive championships, starting in 2022 and tracing back to their initial participation in 2017. They overcame Korea in the group stage, followed by victories against Lebanon and Qatar, before dispatching the Philippines and Iran in the quarter and semi-finals, respectively.
For China, the defeat marks a continuation of their struggles to reclaim the Asian Cup crown. Having won a record 16 championships, they haven’t lifted the trophy since 2015, consistently falling short in the final stages of the competition. This loss will undoubtedly spark further discussion about the future of Chinese basketball and the need for strategic adjustments.
Asian Basketball Landscape: Beyond the Final
Iran secured the bronze medal with a 79-73 victory over New Zealand. South Korea, unfortunately, finished sixth after falling to China in the quarter-finals. The FIBA Asian Cup continues to grow in competitiveness, showcasing the rising talent across the continent. Understanding the nuances of international basketball SEO is crucial for reaching a wider audience interested in these developments. This tournament highlights the increasing globalization of the sport and the importance of strategic team building and player development.
The success of Australia in the FIBA Asian Cup isn’t just a story of athletic prowess; it’s a testament to a well-structured basketball program and a commitment to international competition. As Asian basketball continues to evolve, expect to see more competitive matchups and a greater emphasis on scouting and developing young talent. Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and exclusive content on the world of sports.
Reported by Park Gun-do, Star News
