New Zealand solves Aussie 'Riddle' to win gold

• New Zealand dominate second half to claim Under-17 Oceania Cup gold.
• Australia struggle offensively, shooting just 15.8 percent from three.
• Hoani Ifopo-Togia and Cole Hopoi lead balanced New Zealand attack.
• First regional loss for Australian teams across age groups in 2025.

New Zealand produced a composed, efficient four-quarter performance to defeat Australia 82–62 in the gold medal game of the 2025 FIBA Under-17 Men's Oceania Cup, pulling away decisively after halftime behind superior shooting, rebounding and bench production.

It is the first loss for any Australian team in the Oceania / Asia region across multiple senior men's and women's tournaments and under-aged tournaments.

The 20-point loss couldn't come at worse time with gold on the line but the warning signs were there after just doing enough to beat the Kiwis 93-87 on Thursday, December 11, 2025 before the semi-finals.

The contest was competitive through the opening half, with the teams locked at 38–38 at the main break. However, New Zealand seized control in the third quarter, outscoring Australia 22–16, before closing the game emphatically with a 21–8 final term. Australia struggled to generate clean looks late, managing just eight points in the fourth quarter as New Zealand’s defensive pressure intensified.

Offensively, Australia battled throughout the night, shooting 36.5 percent from the field and just 15.8 percent from three-point range (3-of-19). While their free-throw shooting was strong (81.3 percent), the inability to convert perimeter shots allowed New Zealand to pack the paint and control tempo. Australia finished with only seven assists and committed 16 turnovers, limiting their offensive flow.

New Zealand, by contrast, shot a solid 47.5 percent from the field, including 34.8 percent from three, and generated consistent production across their rotation. Hoani Ifopo-Togia led the way with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, while Cole Hopoi added 21 points, five rebounds and three assists, providing scoring punch both inside and out. The New Zealand bench made a decisive impact, contributing 26 points compared to Australia’s 19, and the hosts won the rebounding battle 42–31, including 14 offensive boards that fuelled second-chance scoring.

Despite solid individual efforts from centre Isaac Riddle (12 points on 62.5 percent shooting) and William Hamilton (12 points), Australia could not sustain momentum once New Zealand lifted its defensive intensity. The final margin reflected New Zealand’s superior efficiency, depth and control over the final 20 minutes.

Australians Luke Paul and Jai Fa'ale both had tough games after strong performances coming in. Paul went 2-from-7 and Fa'ale 2-from-12 as the Kiwis clamped down on the defensive side of the ball.

Gold Medal Game Breakdown

Australia 62 – New Zealand 82

Team Shooting

• Australia:
  • FG: 23-of-63 (36.5%)
  • 2PT: 20-of-44 (45.5%)
  • 3PT: 3-of-19 (15.8%)
  • FT: 13-of-16 (81.3%)
• New Zealand:
  • FG: 29-of-61 (47.5%)
  • 2PT: 21-of-38 (55.3%)
  • 3PT: 8-of-23 (34.8%)
  • FT: 16-of-21 (76.2%)

Rebounding

• Australia: 31 rebounds (13 offensive, 18 defensive)
• New Zealand: 42 rebounds (14 offensive, 28 defensive)
• Rebound margin: New Zealand +11

Ball Movement & Defence

• Assists: Australia 7 | New Zealand 12
• Turnovers: Australia 16 | New Zealand 18
• Steals: Australia 12 | New Zealand 10
• Blocks: Australia 4 | New Zealand 3

Advanced Team Stats

• Points in the Paint: Australia 40 | New Zealand 42
• Second-Chance Points: Australia 12 | New Zealand 19
• Points off Turnovers: Australia 18 | New Zealand 15
• Fast-Break Points: Australia 5 | New Zealand 5
• Bench Points: Australia 19 | New Zealand 26

Individual Leaders

Australia

• Points: Isaac Riddle – 12 | William Hamilton – 12 | Jai Fa’ale – 11
• Rebounds: Koby Moir – 4 | Luke Paul – 4 | Jai Fa’ale – 4
• Assists: Luke Paul – 3 | William Hamilton – 2

New Zealand

• Points: Hoani Ifopo-Togia – 22 | Cole Hopoi – 21
• Rebounds: Arana Robertson – 6 | Aubrey Chunga – 5 | Milan Newton – 5
• Assists: Cole Hopoi – 3

Quarter-by-Quarter

• Q1: NZL 21 – AUS 20
• Q2: 18 – 18
• Q3: NZL 22 – AUS 16
• Q4: NZL 21 – AUS 8