AUSTRALIA STARRING IN 2018 FIBA 3X3 ASIA CUP QUALIFYING DRAW

Both teams are undefeated through the qualifying draw but with only the top team advancing into the official tournament, they cannot take their foot off the pedal tomorrow.

The Aussie men, consisting of Tom Wright, Owen Odigie, Andrew Steel and Tom Garlepp, faced a tough battle in their opening game against Guam but pulled away to secure a 20-16 win and they backed up with an improved performance later on Day 1, defeating Indonesia 22-8.

While 21 points is enough for victory, reaching the 22-point mark could prove important for Australia as points differential comes into play should teams finish on the same amount of wins.

Odigie also had an early contender for the highlight of the tournament with a monster throwdown in Australia’s first game, sending his Guam opponent to the floor in the process.

On Day 2, Australia again faced a double-header and they put Hong Kong to the sword, succeeding 21-10 to set up a clash with fellow unbeaten team, Iran.

The Aussies cruised through the contest though, moving into outright first place on the back of a 21-7 thrashing which moved them one victory away from entering the official draw.

The Australian women took on a smaller group, needing only three wins to earn a chance to defend their gold medal from 2017 and Bec Cole, Maddie Garrick, Keely Froling and Carlie Smith showed they are just as strong as last year’s team.

They had no trouble reaching the 21-point mark against Thailand, holding their opposition to just 11 points and they then thrashed Sri Lanka 21-2 to move into first place on the ladder alongside the men.

Both Australian teams will now meet Samoa at 1.40pm for the men and 2.20pm for the women with victories officially booking them a spot at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup.

Check out the results and more pics from the tournament here.

Australia’s Schedule at the 2018 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup (all times AEST):

April 29: Australian Men vs. Samoa at 1.40pm
April 29: Australian Women vs. Samoa 2.20pm
April 30: Pool Games
May 1: Finals

The Australian men and women are just one win away each from advancing through the qualifying draw and into the official competition at the 2018 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup which will start on Monday.

Read more ›

Basketball Australia

Powered by WPeMatico