In a nail-biting finish, the Australian men’s team needed a three-point bomb from Kai Woodfall with six seconds on the clock to defeat an inspired Guam 78-76 on Friday night in New Zealand.

Woodfall hit 4-of-7 from beyond the arc to post a team-high 18 points, while Rhys Vague had 15 points and Geremy McKay led the way in the frontcourt, posting 8 points and 12 rebounds in the narrow victory.

The Australian men will be eager to avoid the same heart-stopping finish today when they face Tahiti in the final of round of pool games.

It was a significantly easier day at the office for the Australian women’s team, comfortably brushing aside New Caledonia 93-42 on the back of an inspired performance by Dandenong Rangers centre Lauren Scherf.

The 17-year-old rising star was at her dominant best, posting 21 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists as the Australian team proved too strong for their pacific opponents.

In what was an impressive all-round performance from the Australian women, West Coast Waves youngster Mikayla Pirini had 19 points, Alliyah Fareo had 11 points and 7 rebounds, Kristy Wallace had 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Rachel Antoniadou had a game-high 8 steals.

Next up for the Australian women is a clash with Fiji to round out their three pool games.

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