FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers Day One Australian Recap

The Australian women flexed their muscle on day one of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup qualifiers on Sunday as they went undefeated in two pool stage matches, while the men ended their day with a 1-1 split.

The Australian women battled some rust, and probably jet lag, in their opening game against Uganda, struggling to create separation in the early stages of the contest. However, the talent of Bec Cole, Alice Kunek, Marena Whittle and Keely Froling shined as the game progressed, with the Aussies eventually winning the clash 16-10.

There were no such dramas in the second game, as Australia silenced the hometown crowd, smashing host nation Puerto Rico 21-4. An unbelievable two-point shooting display and some slick passing on the offensive end were the keys for the Aussies, as they sent a message to the competition.

“The first game against Uganda was a good one to flush our legs out after a fair bit of flying,” Cole told the FIBA 3×3 World Cup qualifiers broadcast.

“It was good to get that one, it wasn’t pretty but a win is a win. I think we showed against Puerto Rico what we are really all about.”

The women finish their pool stage games against Estonia on Monday morning at 1:30am AEST.

The men put on an impressive display in their first game against Czech Republic, taking home the win 18-12. Greg Hire looked right at home in the 3×3 format despite still being new to the shortened version of basketball, while Andrew Steel, Tom Wright and Tim Coenraad continued their hot form from the NBL 3×3 Pro Hustle.

Australia lost their second game to Puerto Rico 21-17, in a physical affair that was undoubtedly the game of the day. Puerto Rico’s shooters got hot in front of an electric home crowd that was too much for the Aussies to overcome.

The men finish their pool stage games against Romania on Monday morning at 4:00am AEST.