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Thanks Nate! Biwali Bayles sends Jawai out a winner
Australian basketball star Nate Jawai is introduced before the start of the game. Photo: Travis Sacca | traviphotography on Instagram
Indigenous Basketball Australia defeat Poitūkohu Māori in international men's game
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Sydney Comets NBL1 superstar Biwali Bayles powered Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) to a 104-90 win against Poitūkohu Māori at State Basketball Centre on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 — sending one of Australia's greatest players Nate Jawai out a winner.
Bayles' near triple-double — 20 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists — led the way in the 14-point victory in Jawai's last game of basketball in a career that took him to the NBA.
Key Details
- Result: Indigenous Basketball Australia 104 def. Poitūkohu Māori 90
- When: June 11, 2025
- Where: State Basketball Centre
By the Numbers
- Biwali Bayles (IBA) starred with 20 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, two blocks, and two steals in 15 minutes.
- Nathaniel Salmon (Poitūkohu Māori) scored 19 points, and had nine rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 16 minutes.
What Happened
Indigenous Basketball Australia established control early, building a solid foundation that they maintained throughout the contest. Their balanced offensive attack proved too much for Poitūkohu Māori to contain, as IBA's superior shooting efficiency and defensive intensity helped them secure the 14-point victory.
Biwali Bayles delivered a masterclass performance, nearly securing a triple-double with 20 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists in just 15 minutes of playing time. His court vision was exceptional, creating scoring opportunities for teammates while also contributing significantly on the defensive end with two blocks and two steals. Bayles' leadership was evident as he orchestrated IBA's offense with precision, shooting 50 per cent from the field.
The supporting cast for Indigenous Basketball Australia made significant contributions, with Amarco Doyle adding 16 points on an efficient 64 per cent shooting, while Tamuri Wigness chipped in with 16 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Anthony Mundine III provided a scoring punch with 12 points, hitting four of his six three-point attempts for an impressive 67 per cent success rate from beyond the arc.
For Poitūkohu Māori, Nathaniel Salmon led the resistance with 19 points and nine rebounds, shooting 44 per cent from the field and 50 per cent from three-point range. Tobias Cameron contributed a well-rounded performance with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome IBA's balanced attack. Despite strong individual efforts from Dyson King-Hawea (11 points, eight rebounds) and Simon Lafaele (eight points, 10 rebounds), Poitūkohu Māori struggled to match IBA's offensive firepower.
The difference came down to execution and depth, with Indigenous Basketball Australia showcasing superior team chemistry and scoring efficiency. IBA's bench provided valuable contributions, with Nathan Jawai adding nine points and six rebounds in limited minutes. Defensively, IBA's collective effort disrupted Poitūkohu Māori's offensive rhythm, forcing them into challenging shots and capitalising on turnovers to generate fast break opportunities.
basketball.com.au acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their ongoing connection to the lands, waters, and communities. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise their enduring cultural heritage, beliefs, and deep spiritual ties to this land. We extend this respect to all First Nations peoples and affirm my commitment to reconciliation, truth-telling, and honouring the legacy of the world’s oldest continuous cultures.
