New Zealand and China make statements on day three to reach quarters of FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024

SINGAPORE - On a dramatic day three, which started with a trio of overtime thrillers, reigning bronze medallists New Zealand (men's) and China (women's) overcame adversity to reach the quarter-finals at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024. 

Filled with familiar faces from their podium finishes during the past two Asia Cups, New Zealand progressed to the knockout stage along with defending champs Mongolia, Qatar and Thailand. 

In the women's, No.1 seed China made it through to the final eight and so too did the Philippines, Chinese Taipei and Mongolia. 

The main draw started spectacularly after two days of qualification with Asia's biggest 3x3 event once again played at the famous Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Square. 

THE TEAMS

Day three started with a Pool D men's blockbuster between New Zealand and Malaysia, who impressed during qualification and had the strong support of the fans in the bleachers. 

It was a clash of styles with Malaysia keen to gun from deep, while New Zealand tried to play bully ball. In a see-saw battle, the game went down to the wire and OT was needed to find a winner. 

Chris McIntosh showed off his shooting prowess and composure under pressure with the banked two to lift New Zealand to a thrilling 21-19 win. 

The Tall Blacks went up a level with a show-stopping performance against Qatar filled with dunks, fancy passes and lethal shooting. Their 22-3 thrashing was achieved well before the 10-minute limit as New Zealand lived up to the hype in the pool phase. 

In the women's, 2022 champs China survived a major scare against Chinese Taipei. It was a game that - you guessed it - needed OT and China appeared set to blow their chance with four missed throws that would have iced the result. 

But JianPing Zhang ensured China did not suffer a meltdown as she hit the game-winning bucket to end Chinese Taipei's resistance. 

China were in better rhythm against host Singapore to record a comfortable 20-11 win after impressively overcoming an injury to Xianyuan Zhang mid-game. 

THE PLAYERS

McIntosh made it appear like he was in a shoot-out contest on day three after nailing six shots from downtown. He was deadlier than a Singapore Sling as McIntosh finished with 14 points total. 

Jhazmin Joson has stamped herself as the Philippines' bucket getter and she continued her scoring binge with 11 points, including four two-pointers, against Mongolia.

She also dished out an outrageous dime against Malaysia to perfectly complement magician Kaye Pingol. Seeking a first-ever Asia Cup medal, the Philippines' emphatic 17-10 win over Malaysia completed a perfect day as they stormed to a 5-0 record in the event. 

THE THRILLER

Defending men's champs Mongolia were pushed to the limit against Sri Lanka, who had been the surprise team in qualification with an unbeaten run. 

A new-look Mongolia, with only sharpshooter Anand Ariunbold returning from last year's title-winning team, made a fast start with Temuulen Chingis on a heater. 

But as we've gotten used to, Sri Lanka fought back with Kande Mendis dominating on the glass. 

Rukshan Athapaththu hit two late baskets to send this wild game into OT, but Mongolia steadied with Ariunbold clinching their hard-fought win. 

Day 4

The Asia Cup continues on Day 4 with men's and women's pool play.

Men's

Pool A: China, Singapore, Iran
Pool B: Mongolia, Thailand, Sri Lanka
Pool C: Japan, Philippines, Australia
Pool D: New Zealand, Qatar, Malaysia

Women's

Pool A: China, Chinese Taipei, Singapore
Pool B: Japan, Thailand, Iran
Pool C: Mongolia, Malaysia, Philippines
Pool D: New Zealand, Australia, India

Watch Day 4 of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024 on our YouTube channel.  

 

FIBA