Australia Goes Undefeated On Day One of 2019 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup

Australia’s 2019 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup campaign got off to a perfect start on Friday night, with the men’s and women’s teams going undefeated through the pool stages.

The men’s team, consisting of Lucas Walker, Greg Hire, Tom Wright and Tim Coenraad, took down South Korea 21-17, before dominating Mongolia 21-8 in a rematch of last year’s Asia Cup final.

In their first clash against South Korea, Australia battled through some early rust, before asserting their dominance late and running away victors. Wright was the standout, proving to be unstoppable on the offensive end.

There was no such dramas against Mongolia, as the Aussies were never threatened on their way to an easy victory.

The quarterfinals are the men’s next challenge, as they face Japan on Sunday at 5:40pm AEST.

Australia’s women’s team of Bec Cole, Alice Kunek, Hanna Zavecz and Maddie Garrick secured wins against two tough oppositions in New Zealand and China.

Things are always tight and physical when Australia and New Zealand meet, and Friday was no different, with the Aussies grinding out a 17-15 victory.

Australia had to withstand a late charge from China in their last game, holding on for a 16-14 victory. Cole and Garrick showcased their talents, hitting some incredibly difficult lay-ups during the match.

The Australian women’s quarterfinal campaign begins on Sunday at 2:10pm AEST against the Philippines.