Australian 3×3 Teams Take Gold, Bronze at FIBA Asia Cup

The Australian men’s 3×3 team have come away with a gold medal at the 2018 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China after a thrilling final game against Mongolia.

Despite being ahead for the greater part of the game, the Australians saw themselves tied with Mongolia with just 1.6 seconds left on the clock when a foul was called on Andrew Steel. With Australia over the foul limit, Mongolia went to the line for two shots.

After miraculously missing both, the Australian squad got out of jail forcing overtime. The Mongolian team opened up proceedings taking a 16-15 lead before Tom Garlepp hit the two point shot from beyond the arc to make it 17-16, handing Australia the gold medal.

Check out the full replay of the final game below.

The final win completed an undefeated run for the Aussies, having decimated the competition in the qualifying draw before having tough hit outs against New Zealand and then Japan where Garlepp was again the game winner.

Despite only playing 3×3 basketball for the first time earlier this year in the NSW Big Hustle event, Sydney Kings big man Garlepp was dominant at the Asia Cup, taking home MVP honours for his efforts.

The gold medal squad of Garlepp, Tom Wright, Owen Odigie and Andrew Steel will return to the NBL 3×3 Pro Hustle series following their win with the next event in Melbourne this Sunday.

Similar to the men, the women’s 3×3 team fought their way through the qualifying draw staying undefeated until they faced familiar foes New Zealand in the semi-final.

Maddie Garrick and Bec Cole led from the front for Australia but a Micaela Cocks two in overtime ended the game 20-18 and the Australian’s hopes at a repeat gold medal forcing them to the bronze medal game against Japan.

Check out the full replay of the thrilling semi-final against New Zealand below.

Having beaten Japan earlier in pool play, the Aussies handled business swiftly claiming a 17-5 win and the bronze medal. Cole was named in the all-tournament team at the awards ceremony post-game.

Garrick, Cole and Keely Froling will be back in action at the NBL 3×3 Pro Hustle 2 this weekend.

You can purchase tickets to the NBL 3×3 Pro Hustle here