Waverley stun in opening exhibition clash

Feature image via: Traviphotography 

In a stunning display of international basketball, the Waverley Falcons miraculously pulled out an 80-79 win over Pelita Jaya. 

WHAT A GAME ?

The Waverley Falcons came back from 14 points down to beat Pelita Jaya 80-79 to start our exhibition tour ?

Pelita Jaya's next game will be against the Keilor Thunder on Tuesday, December 17th from 7:00pm AEDT Live & Free via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or the NBL1… pic.twitter.com/HLO1yruTvn

— NBL1 (@NBL1) December 15, 2024

The reigning champions of the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) were given their first taste of Australian basketball against the Falcons – and looked dominated throughout the process. 

RELATED: Everything you need to know: 2024 Indonesia tour

Pelita Jaya got off to a hot start, scoring 17-8 within the first five minutes of the game. They led for over 36 of the 40 minutes and their biggest lead was 14 points, but it wasn't enough in the end. 

James Dickey III was their standout, finishing with 16 points, 13 rebounds and eight blocks, five in the first half alone.

What a block by James Dickey III ?

Watch Pelita Jaya against the Waverley Falcons Live & Free via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or the NBL1 App ? pic.twitter.com/5gYiTYexaT

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On the other side of the ball, Muhamad Arighi was unconscious, making five of his eight triples and finishing with a total of 15 points. 

Waverley clawed back but Pelita Jaya kept up their champions-winning play, pushing the lead to 49-38 at half-time. 

Meunier was red-hot for Waverley, scoring 16 points in the first half and finishing with a game-high 24. His rebounding as a guard was critical, pulling down 10 rebounds (three offensive) and making the game-saving putback in the process. 

WAVERLEY TAKE THE LEAD ?

Watch Pelita Jaya against the Waverley Falcons Live & Free via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or the NBL1 App ? pic.twitter.com/6tgIV4nEOC

— NBL1 (@NBL1) December 15, 2024

The game came to a crawl in the third quarter, and Waverley closed the difference. They brought the margin down to a three-point game at the last second from a difficult layup from Jordan Anderson. 

Speaking of which, Waverley’s bench was outstanding -- especially impressive given many aren’t on their typical NBL1 roster. They scored 35 points and not only maintained their scoring efforts, but remained defensively intact to put pressure on Pelita Jaya for all 40 minutes. 

Waverley’s Matt McCarthy unleashed in the final term, scoring nine of his total 11 points in the last seven minutes of the clash. 

With a one-point deficit, the game came down to the free-throw line for Pelita Jaya. Fouled with only two seconds left, their sniper Arighi was given the opportunity to tie or win the game – where he missed both. 

The tour continues against the Keilor Thunder on Tuesday, December 17th from 7:00pm AEDT Live & Free via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.

BOX SCORE