Boomers forward Xavier Cooks has lifted Australia to a series-clinching victory over New Zealand in his second game back from his drug suspension.
Cooks, back on court after serving a one-month ban for testing positive to cocaine, amassed a Boomers-high 16 points and eight rebounds as he led Australia to a 92-67 win over the Tall Blacks on Friday night.
The win on the Sunshine Coast gave Australia an unassailable 2-0 lead in the Trans-Tasman Showdown.
READ MORE: Port chief reveals big ‘issue’ with Rioli ‘pile-on’
READ MORE: Mick Doohan’s swipe at F1 team after son brutally axed
READ MORE: Mad Dog millionaire: Athletes who made bank after retiring
At the same venue immediately after the Boomers’ win, the Opals also took an unassailable 2-0 lead by thumping the Tall Ferns 98-57 in the women’s series.
Boomers captain Mitch Norton gave a nod to Cooks, a star of the Sydney Kings, in an on-court interview after the match.
“Someone who probably doesn’t get spoken about enough is Xavier Cooks, coming back in and having a really good impact,” Norton told Nine. “It’s really cool to see.”
Xavier Cooks of the Boomers drives to the basket. Getty
Another key Boomers contributor was Elijah Pepper, who posted 12 points, five rebounds and two three-pointers.
Todd Blanchfield chalked up 11 points, six rebounds and a trio of three-pointers, while Angus Glover tallied 10 points and two three-pointers.
“I think that’s what we love about us — we’re unselfish,” Norton said.
“We’ve got guys who obviously draw a lot of attention.”
Miela Sowah of the Opals on the attack. Getty
In the Opals’ win, Miela Sowah and Alex Fowler scored an equal-high 15 points each, with the former netting a trio of three-pointers.
Maddison Rocci also starred, chalking up 13 points including two three-pointers.
Isobel Borlase registered 10 points and five rebounds, while Courtney Woods had a game-high seven assists.
The men’s and women’s Trans-Tasman Throwdown series will wrap up in Hamilton, New Zealand on Sunday.
