John Rillie’s first game as Australian Boomers head coach has ended in a 93–80 win over Guam, with Perth Wildcats guard Elijah Pepper delivering a standout performance on both ends of the floor.
Pepper poured in 23 points and was a constant disruptor defensively, collecting four steals and turning pressure into points as the Boomers created separation through the middle stages of the contest.
The opening term was tight, locked at 17–17 at quarter-time, before Australia began to gain control in the second quarter and took a 46–33 lead into the main break. Pepper’s shot making helped open the floor, while the Boomers’ activity around the ball consistently generated transition looks.
Australia continued to build after halftime, pushing the margin out to 75–59 at three-quarter time and holding firm late as Guam kept competing down the stretch.
Former Wildcats championship big man Nick Kay also played a key role, producing a hard-nosed all-round line of 10 points, 10 rebounds (including eight offensive boards). Kay’s work on the glass repeatedly extended Boomers possessions and took the air out of Guam’s momentum whenever it looked to build.
The Boomers also received a major scoring punch from Tanner Krebs, who finished with 28 points, shooting 8 of 13 from three-point range.
Australia’s win provides an ideal start to Rillie’s Boomers debut, with Pepper’s scoring and defensive impact headlining a performance built on pressure and second-effort plays.
The Boomers will play the Philippines on Sunday, 1 March, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30pm AWST at Mall of Asia Arena.
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