Tall Blacks Flynn Cameron (L) with Australia Jaylin Galloway during the FIBA World Cup Qualifier - New Zealand Tall Blacks v Australia Boomers at TSB Arena, Wellington, on 1 December 2025. Photo: Marty Melville / Photosport
A buzzer beater finish by the Boomers has left the Tall Blacks heartbroken again, but a technical issue meant some fans missed out on the tense final moments.
Australia beat New Zealand 79-77 in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers on Monday night at the TSB Bank Arena.
A last minute play by 26-year-old guard Davo Hickey banked in a tough trifecta from the wing just before time expired, helping the Boomers complete the escape after finding themselves staring at a 67-57 deficit early in the final period.
However, some fans on the edge of their seats missed the exhilarating final moments.
Viewers reported coverage cut out on ESPN channel 60, Sky and Disney+, with one commenting on social media the live stream on Sky Sport went to ads, "then to some guys in a boat".
On its TikTok channel, ESPN Australia/NZ acknowledged the mishap: "We are aware that due to a technical issue at the end of the game was not seen for some viewers. We are investigating the cause and deeply apologise for the issue."
But as one fan put it, the blunder "saved us from watching NZ choke again".
DAVO HICKEY CALLED BANK.
— FIBA Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWC) December 1, 2025
DAVO HICKEY CALLED GAME.
He gets the TISSOT Buzzer Beater to drop to deny the Tall Blacks of an upset! ⏰#FIBAWC x #StepItUpBoomers | @BasketballAus pic.twitter.com/ZdAhDemHs7
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