Wildcats pair star as Boomers thrash Indonesia in Asia Cup qualifier

Pepper and Okwera were two of the most influential players on court, combining for 33 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and four steals as the Boomers piled on their highest score of the campaign.

First-year NBL guard Pepper was the leading scorer in the match with 18 points to go with five rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Okwera fell two rebounds shy of a double-double, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.

The Boomers prevailed 109-58 in a one-sided contest to go five from five in their Asia Cup qualifying campaign after already locking in their spot in the tournament.

Both Wildcats came off the bench midway through the opening term and had an immediate impact, combining for nine consecutive points as the Boomers went on a massive run.

Both hit first-quarter triples, while Pepper opened his account with an and-one after driving to the basket.

Okwera was up to a game-high eight points by early in the second quarter, making his presence felt in the paint.

The second-year Wildcat was also doing some nice things at the defensive end as the Boomers continued their dominance of Indonesia.

Pepper then took over his Wildcats teammate as the leading scoring in the contest, earning the praise of Australian basketball great Andrew Gaze after hitting his second three.

The sharpshooting guard amassed 14 points for the half as the Boomers took a 50-22 lead into the main break, with Okwera contributing a game-high six rebounds to go with eight points.

Okwera joined Pepper in double digits late in the third quarter with a corner three.

The two Wildcats combined for a give-and-go in the last, with Pepper finishing off Okwera’s work to move to 18 points.

Okwera was in the thick of it late, highlighted by a steal and one-handed slam on the fast break.

The Boomers, who have Wildcats assistant coach Keegan Crawford in their coaching panel, are back in action against Thailand in Gippsland on Sunday.

The match will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports from 1.30pm WST.

The pair will then turn their attention to the Wildcats’ playoff series against Melbourne United, which kicks off at John Cain Arena on Thursday.