'OutFOXed': Boomers crush Philippines to reach semis

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And just like that the quarter final was over — 29-12 in at the end of the first quarter — as five Australian Boomers scored in double figures to crush Philippines 84-60 at King Abdullah Sports City in Saudi Arabia.

Owen Foxwell (15), Jaylin Galloway (15) Jack McVeigh (12), Xavier Cooks (10) and skipper Will Magnay (10) helped end the fight early as Australia march into the 2025 Asia Cup semi-finals unbeaten.

"We came out with the right intent," Australian captain Will Magnay said.

"Rebounding was a big thing for us. They still got 10, but we ended up winning by almost 21. That’s good for us, and there’s still a lot of learning we can take from it heading into a semi-final.

"That gives a bit of confidence knowing that we can really step up when we put our minds to it.

"We’re just starting on point. The combination of size and athleticism with our starting group, and then our ability to run in transition, really catches teams off guard, which I think we’ve been doing early.

"Jaylin (Galloway) has just been shooting the hell out of the ball, so that’s been awesome for him and awesome for us."

It was the first time the two nations have met since the infamous 2018 brawl when chaos reigned as combined 13 players from both teams were ejected during the third-quarter of a heated clash.

This time Australian Boomers coach Adam Caporn only had to address the 24-point blow-out in the post game press conference.

"I’m just really proud of how we defended and rebounded for that game, to keep them to 60," Caporn said.

"Obviously, we were under siege in some moments, but we just rallied on the defensive end and had great effort on the boards, led by Will (Magnay).

"(I'm) really proud of that, and that’s what we’re trying to be about, so very happy.

Caporn downplayed Australia's unbeaten run heading into the semis.

"No one’s unbeatable," he admitted.

"There’s a lot of very good teams in this tournament. We had a very good start. Our defense in the first quarter I thought was very good, and we made threes.

"That combination put a gap in there, and then I just thought our grit and poise kept it. Proud of our defense, and no one’s unbeatable, and we’re humble enough to know that. Been looking forward to the next game.

"The games have all been difficult. We’ve been able to separate, but they’ve all been difficult and we’ve been challenged, and I’m really proud of our resilience.

"This semi-final we expect to be a very difficult game, and we’re excited for it — whoever we play."

Magnay said Caporn and the coaching staff had challenged him to become a leader of the group during the Boomers preparation for the Asia Cup.

"Coming into the Asia Cup, Capes was pretty big with me on leadership and stepping up," he revealed.

"Then I was voted captain, so that kind of puts you immediately into a leadership role. I’m just learning my way through it.

"I’m not the best at it, but I just try and lead by example and go out there, put my body on the line. If I can do it, everyone should be able to do it type of thing.

"Like Capes says, we’ve got a good amount of resilience to catch their runs early and try and kill them. Lebanon gave us a good run the other day, so that’ll be an interesting match-up again. I’m looking forward to who we face in the semis."

Magnay said he was honoured to not only play for Australia but captain the Boomers at a major tournament.

"Putting on a jersey with your country’s name on it and representing your family on the back — there’s no greater honour in basketball or in sport, I believe," Magnay said.

"Being able to go out there and do my best for my country, represent my family and my friends the right way, as many times as I can in my career, I’m going to keep putting my hand up to do it.

"Although it is a big year and I can be tired at times, Capes has been pretty good with 'take a light practice if you want, we know you’re a bit tired' coming straight from Summer League and with lots of things going on.

"The honour is huge, always, to represent your country, and to be captain of it too is an amazing honour for me."

Foxwell was +23 in 22 minutes, McVeigh +22 in 26 minutes and Cooks +22 in 23 minutes. All 12 Boomers earned minutes with rising star Dash Daniels playing 4:48 and Josh Bannan 4:13 off the bench.

Key Details

• Result: Australia 84 def Philippines 60
• When: August 13, 2025
• Where: King Abdullah Sports City, Saudi Arabia

By the Numbers

• Owen Foxwell (Australia) starred with 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 21 minutes.
• Kevin Quiambao (Philippines) scored 17 points and had four rebounds in 25 minutes.

What Happened

Australia established their dominance early against the Philippines, building a solid foundation that carried them to a convincing 24-point victory in the FIBA Asia Cup quarter-finals. The Boomers' superior size and shooting efficiency proved too much for the Philippines to handle throughout the contest.

The Australian defence set the tone, limiting the Philippines to just 31 percent shooting from the field and a dismal 24 percent from three-point range. This defensive intensity allowed the Boomers to control the tempo and gradually build their lead as the game progressed.

Foxwell was exceptional for Australia, shooting an efficient 7-from-13 from the field, including 3-from-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to score from all areas of the court made him difficult to contain. Jaylin Galloway added 15 points, including four three-pointers, while Xavier Cooks contributed 10 points and seven rebounds in a solid all-around performance.

Australia's dominance on the glass was particularly notable, as they out-rebounded the Philippines 57-36. Jack White was instrumental in this area, pulling down eight rebounds along with his eight points and three blocks in just 17 minutes of play.

The game's MVP Will Magnay was perfect from the field, converting all five of his attempts for 10 points while adding six rebounds.

For the Philippines, Quiambao's 17 points on 6-from-10 shooting, including 5-from-8 from three-point range, was one of the few bright spots. Dwight Ramos added 15 points but needed 22 shot attempts to get there, shooting just 1-from-11 from three-point range. Justin Brownlee contributed 10 points, four assists and three rebounds in 33 minutes.

The Boomers' superior depth was evident throughout, with their bench outscoring the Philippines' reserves and maintaining the intensity when the starters rested. Australia's team play was highlighted by 14 assists on 32 made field goals, while their defence forced eight turnovers and recorded six steals and five blocks.

Australia will play the winner of Iran and Chinese Taipei in the semi-final on Saturday.