Latvia and Hungary shine on Day 1 of FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament

HONG KONG (CHINA) - Reigning Gold medalists Latvia (Men) and Hungary (Women) go 2-0 on Day 1 of the first FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Hong Kong, China. 

The teams

Latvia (Men)

It was lethal intent from the reigning Gold medalists to start Pool Phase as Latvia got huge wins over an on-fire Mongolia before taking care of business against New Zealand.

Nauris Miezis and Agnis Cavars combined for 13 in both games, first against Mongolia to start things off with newcomer Francis Lacis calling game emphatically with a jam. 

The team set themselves in pole position heading into their game against Egypt tomorrow.

Hungary (Women)

It was a statement display from Hungary (Women) to tip off their campaign with a 21 - 7 victory against the local side Hong Kong.

It was a big clash next against Poland where the result stayed the same, a 16 - 12 win in clinical fashion.

Fanni Szabo and Beatrice Mompremier combined for 15 in their opener before a collective team effort took down Poland, handing the team a comfortable advantage heading into their game against Egypt tomorrow. 

The Players

Worthy De Jong (NED)

It was the Worthy show in Hong Kong yet again as he led his side to a superb 22 - 15 victory with a 13-point game. He bookended his star performance with a dagger two, giving fans a hint of what’s to come this Tournament.

Tiffany Hayes (AZE)

The former WNBA star set the court alight against Chile as she led her side to a 17 - 14 victory in their game against Chile. She put up 8 points and a whopping 10 rebounds, rounding off a gritty performance to start their campaign right. 

Day 2

Pool phase comes to a close tomorrow as the semi-final spots are claimed. Tune in live to catch the thrilling action.