Dellavedova, White guide Boomers through perfect World Cup qualifiers

Melbourne United duo Matthew Dellavedova and Jack White have played a huge role leading Australia to three wins from three games in its FIBA World Cup qualifiers.

With Dellavedova named as team captain, and White appointed to the leadership group for his debut and subsequent games, the pressure was on the pair to perform from the outset.

In Game One against China, it was Delly that stepped up in the biggest moments to propel the Boomers to a hard-fought victory.

The All-NBL point guard led all scorers with 16 points, while pulling down seven rebounds, dishing out four assists, and cashing in a quartet of three-pointers.

White also came to play, finishing with 10 points and four assists as the Boomers pulled away at the end for a seven-point victory.

Game 2 was a much more comfortable victory for Australia, as the home side dazzled the John Cain Arena crowd with a masterful defensive effort, limiting Japan to just 27 points across the first three quarters.

Dellavedova and White both played limited minutes, 18 and 16 respectively, combining for 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in the 46-point drubbing.

With all eyes firmly set on Australia’s final game, another battle with China, United’s one-two punch showcased their skill in the biggest moments.

Tied at 45-45 heading into the final term, the pair took over, with Delly splashing a three to open the quarter, before Jack knocked down a trio of triples in the period.

White led all scorers with 16 points, while controlling the glass from above the rim (14 rebounds).

This combined effort helped Australia outscore China 26-3 in the fourth quarter and finish their World Cup Qualifiers with an undefeated record.

Coming away with these wins means Australia, as well as China and Japan all advance to the second round, where they will play the top three teams from Group D, which so far only Kazakhstan and Iran have qualified.