Australia beat China to win FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Chengdu Stop 2024

CHENGDU (China) - Australia gained a major confidence boost ahead of the Paris Olympics with a thrilling 18-17 victory over rival China in a pulsating final at the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Chengdu Stop on June 22. 

In the latest chapter of an epic rivalry, with the countries having played numerous classic games at major international events, Australia survived a furious comeback from China to silence the loud fans in the packed bleachers. 

As predicted, China and Australia reached the final after the powerhouses played an OT heart-stopper on Day One. China entered with confidence having won that game as the atmosphere was off the charts with the local fans willing their heroes on.  

China looked to the towering figure of superstar ZhiTing Zhang, who dominated the paint but Australia responded with Alex Wilson nailing sweet jumpers. 

A Marena Whittle two gave Australia some breathing room and they clamped down on defense to take control.  Australia had one hand on the title with a 15-8 lead, but China stormed back with hot shooting from deep to lock up the scores as the game went down to the wire.  

Whittle, who had game highs of 9 points and 6 highlights, stepped up with a couple of huge buckets as Australia hung on. She was deservedly named MVP after finishing top in player-value (51.9), points (45) and highlights (19). 

It was a preview of what's ahead in Paris with both teams part of the 2024 Olympics. 

China were the only team to trouble Australia, who had comfortable victories over Singapore and Thailand in pool play before beating Romania and Dusseldorf ZOOS (GER) in the knockouts. 

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Australia
2. China
3. Dusseldorf ZOOS (GER)
4. Thailand 
5. Mongolia 
6. Romania
7. Wuhan Sanfran (CHN)
8. Singapore 

The FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2024 returns quickly with the Poitiers Stop on June 25-26. 

FIBA