NBL 3×3 Pro Hustle 3: Saturday Recap

The final NBL 3×3 Pro Hustle event of the year got off to a cracking start in Darwin on Saturday, as it played a role in the opening day of the Arafura Games.

Darwin fans were treated to fast and physical basketball action, as some of the best men’s and women’s 3×3 players in Australia strutted their stuff in front of an electric crowd at the Darwin Convention Centre.

There were no surprises in the men’s division on Saturday, as Stateside Sports, Spectres iAthletic, TSV Reading Cinemas and Geelong Supercats all punched their tickets directly to the quarterfinal stage.

Stateside have been able to withstand the loss of Harry Froling, with Jeremy Kendle, Lucas Walker and Peter Crawford looking as good as ever. New additions Anatoly Bose and the bouncy Shian Bradshaw have given Spectres iAthletic a boost, while the always steady TSV Reading Cinemas and Geelong have proven to be tough to beat.

The last 16 stage for the men’s bracket has pitted Darwin Mad Ballers against Canberra KJR, Boundless Possible NT against Peninsula Bobcats, Melbourne Wolves against Minakami Town.EXE and Sydney Warriors against PCYC Queensland.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MEN’S SCHEDULE AND RESULTS

In the women’s category, there are still three more pool games to be played before a knockout bracket is determined.

Boundless Possible NT had the crowds support on the day, with the Darwin faithful getting behind their hometown team, particularly local star Abby Cubillo. However, it wasn’t enough to get them a victory on Saturday, with Boundless Possible NT going 0-3.

Spectres iAthletic flexed their muscle and sent the competition an early statement, by starting the third Pro Hustle undefeated at 3-0.

Melbourne Boomers and Peninsula Bobcats are both 2-1, while PCYC Queensland have yet to win a game.

CLICK HERE FOR THE WOMEN’S SCHEDULE AND RESULTS

There was also a 3×3 Street Hustle played on Saturday, with Misfits defeating Team 1 in the final 7-5. High flyer Brodie Stephens also took out the dunk contest.

The final NBL 3×3 Pro Hustle event of the year continues on Sunday from 9:30am AEST. The event will be broadcast live on FOX SPORTS from 2:30pm AEST, and will be streamed on Twitch, NBL TV and the NBL and 3x3Hustle Facebook pages from 11:20am.

Tickets can still be purchased here.