How to watch & talking points: Australian Boomers v Philippines

Philippines v Australian Boomers
Sunday, February 29, 10.30pm AEDT
Mall of Asia Arena

How to watch‍

The game will be live on ESPN from 10.30pm AEDT.

How to follow & live scores

‍Live scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via FIBA website.

>> Visit Game Centre

Where things stand

The Australian Boomers currently sit in first in Group A for the FIBA 2027 World Cup Qualifiers, after defeating New Zealand twice in the November window and edging Guam on Thursday night.

The Philippines sit in second in Group A, despite losing 69-66 to New Zealand on Thursday night.

Following these four matches, the final two games of the First Round of qualifying will take place in July, with the Boomers once again playing Guam and the Philippines.

Australian Boomers squad

David Okwera – Perth Wildcats
Elijah Pepper – Perth Wildcats
Isaac White – Adelaide 36ers
Jack White – Mersin MSK
Jacob Holt – Brisbane Bullets
Kody Stattmann – Cairns Taipans
Mitch Creek – U-BT Cluj-Napoca
Nick Kay – Shimane Susanoo
Reyne Smith – Cairns Taipans
Sam Froling – Illawarra Hawks
Tanner Krebs – Melbourne United
Tom Wilson – Melbourne United

Talking points

Red-hot Pepper
The strong end of the season continued for Perth's Elijah Pepper on Thursday, hitting five triples on his way to 23 points.

The young sharpshooter can change the game in a matter of minutes with his ability to heat up from all over the court.

He looms as a key piece for John Rillie's Boomers on Sunday, against a tough Philippines outfit.‍

What reception will the Boomers get?
The last time the Boomers played the Philippines in Manilla, an ugly brawl overshadowed the contest.

The governing bodies of each country have done an incredible amount of work to mend the relationship between the teams.

Eight years later, it will be interesting to see the reception the Boomers get from the home fans, who are some of the most passionate in the world.