Vickerman leads Boomers to pair of wins over Tall Blacks

Melbourne United Head Coach Dean Vickerman has helped the Australian Boomers to a pair of victories over New Zealand as part of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Stepping in as Associate Head Coach, Vickerman led a squad of mostly NBL-based talent, including current United Next Star Dash Daniels, and former United Championship player Jack White.

Both games came down to the wire, with clutch shot-making needed down the stretch to secure each of the wins.

On Friday, the Boomers finished with a 84-79 victory in Tasmania, while on Monday the margin narrowed, with Vickerman's side leaving New Zealand with a 79-77 win.

Captaining the Tall Blacks was Finn Delany, who averaged 5.5 points, 4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game.

Australia now sit second in their qualifying group behind the Philippines, while New Zealand sit in third place.