Boomer’s World Cup preparation match with Brazil moved to earlier Wednesday timeslot

With the eyes of the nation gripped to the magical story of the Matildas, Basketball Australia have made a huge call around the Boomers’ first warm-up game on Wednesday night in Melbourne.

The Boomers’ Wednesday night game against Brazil has been shifted to an earlier timeslot as Matilda’s football fever grips the nation.

The Australian men’s basketball squad was scheduled to face Brazil at 7.45pm AEST in the second of three FIBA World Cup tune ups at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, with South Sudan up against Venezuela in the curtain-raiser.

But, in a huge win for green and gold sports fans, Basketball Australia has made the decision to switch the two games, with the Boomers now to tip-off at 5.30pm, removing the clash with the Matildas’ blockbuster FIFA World Cup semi-final against England at 8pm.

Boomers great Patty Mills said the Matildas had inspired the Aussie squad and the time switch was a no-brainer.

“The Matildas have really captured the nation this World Cup, including a men‘s national basketball team,” Mills said.

“The way the ladies play with so much heart and passion has been so inspiring to witness.

“Just like the rest of the country, our Boomers team have been locked in for each game, watching it as a team and enjoying every part of supporting and celebrating these incredible athletes.

“Supporting our fellow Australian athletes is crucial, so moving our game was an easy decision.

“We are now super excited to join the rest of Australia in watching the ladies on Wednesday after we play our second game in Melbourne.

“Up the Tillies.”

The move sets up a Wednesday night smorgasbord of sport, with the Boomers’ game now leading straight into the Matildas’ hunt for history.

Almost 5 million people watched the Matildas’ electrifying penalty shootout quarter-final victory over France on Saturday night and thousands more at AFL, NRL, pre-season NBL games and even weddings stopped in their tracks to celebrate the moment.

The Boomers’ Wednesday night clash has been moved. Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images

The Boomers have been among the Tillies’ big supporters, coming together during their Cairns selection camp to cheer them on as they reached the final four.

Now, our hoopers will be able to walk off the floor, cool down and take in their football-playing counterparts’ match.

Some ticketholders to the Boomers’ game expressed concern at the time change three days out from the game disrupting their plans to attend, given work obligations.

But it also gives fans at the Boomers game a chance to either nick home, or duck across to the live site at nearby AAMI Park to watch the Matildas in a move BA hopes will further bolster ticket sales.

The Boomers open their campaign on Monday night against Venezuela at 7.45pm, Brazil on Wednesday at the new time of 5.30pm and then South Sudan Thursday at the initially-scheduled time of 7.45pm.

Venezuela and South Sudan, on Wednesday, will occupy the later timeslot of 7.45pm.

Originally published as Boomer’s World Cup preparation match with Brazil moved to earlier Wednesday timeslot