Australia overcome Iran to clinch FIBA Asia Cup

Australia's maiden FIBA Asia Cup campaign ended in glory as the Boomers saw off Iran 79-56 in Sunday's final in Lebanon.

Invited to this year's event as a wild card along with fellow FIBA Oceania representatives New Zealand, the Boomers eased through the group stage with a perfect record before ousting China and their trans-Tasman neighbours in the knockouts.

And they had few problems against Iran - who also boasted a perfect 5-0 record coming into the final - at the Nouhad Nawfal Stadium.

Australia had averaged a winning margin of 30 points across their opening five matches and although this victory was not quite as resounding, Brad Newley top scored with 18 points for the champions to ensure glory was theirs.

Australia beat Iran 79-56 to become the first-ever FIBA Asia Cup Champions!  #FIBAAsiaCup2017 pic.twitter.com/yXuIz65ViL

— FIBA (@FIBA) August 20, 2017

 

 

Photo by: Getty Images Caption: Brad Newley top scored in Australia's FIBA Asia Cup triumph