GOYANG (South Korea) - Chris Goulding nearly rewrote the record books once more as his hot shooting from deep brought Australia to the FIBA Asia Cup 2025.
The veteran forward nailed 10 triples for 31 points to power the Boomers past Korea, 98-75, and go 4-0 in the Qualifiers, Sunday at the Goyang Gymnasium.
It seemed as if he was bound for another historic outing as the 36-year-old was two treys away from eclipsing the Continental Cup Qualifiers mark Ahmed Haji set (11) in Bahrain's 76-71 win over Syria last Friday, until he was pulled out with 2:19 left to play.
But he had already done enough damage to the home team, and his part as well in ensuring that they take care of business - booking a flight to Saudi Arabia, that is, for next year in a bid to extend their dominion of the continental meet to three.
Australia have now become the third team to qualify for the Asia Cup after the hosts and Japan, who earlier did so following an 83-78 win over Guam in Mangilao.
"Really happy to get a win against a really tough team, in a really fun gym," said Goulding, who finished this qualifying window with 19 threes in total.
The national team veteran scored 10 in the second quarter alone to lead the pullaway, highlighted by a rare four-point play off a Byeon Junhyeong foul that pushed their lead to 44-27 with 4:19 to go - that, after a 19-all deadlock entering the period.
Australia unloaded a total of 35 points in that said chapter while limiting the home team to only 13. The Koreans could never recover since, eventually falling to 2-2 in Group A as they also saw their mini two-game winning streak come to an end.
Ben Henshall made 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Nick Kay added a 13 points and 12 rebounds as they gave head coach Jacob Chance a victorious window.
Korea, on the other hand, were led by Lee Woosuk with 17 points and 5 rebounds as lead forward Lee Hyunjung was limited by the opposing defense.
Lee did finish with 14 points but missed all four of three-point attempts in a rare off-night from deep for him. He had 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, though.
FIBA