Australia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel and Slovenia secure last tickets to FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023

EILAT (Israel) - Australia (women), Czech Republic (women), Hungary (men), Israel (men and women) and Slovenia (men) grabbed the last 6 tickets for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023 at the World Cup Qualifier in Eilat, Israel, on May 6-7.

On the women’s side, Australia defeated home side Israel (21-11) to become the first team to qualify for the World Cup on the day. Marena Whittle and Alex Wilson combined for 19 points to book Australia's ticket to Vienna. 

In the second ticket game, Czech Republic pulled away with the win against Colombia (15-13) after a spectacular offensive showing by Kateřina Galíčková, who finished the game with 8 points. 

Israel got the last ticket in the women's category in an instant classic matchup against Colombia (21-20). Noor Kayouf became Israel's hero after scoring the game-winner to seal their place at the World Cup.

On the men's side, Israel came out swinging in the first, jamming their way through against China (21-11). Shoham Gat, with 11 points, led the hosts to the World Cup with an impressive offensive performance. 

Slovenia clinched their ticket to Vienna under the leadership of  Adrian Hirschmann. No one came close to stopping him, as his 13-point masterclass sent them through 21-18 against Hungary.

The final ticket game turned out to be a blockbuster event. Both Hungary and China went back and forth. Attila Demeter and Xu Huang traded huge 2s in the clutch, but it was Tamás Ivosev who called game with a reverse lay, sending Hungary to the World Cup.

With these last 6 qualified teams confirmed, the 40-team field is now complete. The 2023 edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup will take place in Vienna, Austria, on May 30 - June 4.

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Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the most thrilling urban sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Sina Weibo, Tencent, TikTok, Twitter, Youku , YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball.