SINGAPORE, 2023, MARCH 30 – New Zealand‘s men’s and women’s teams impressed on day two of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2023 as they secured places in the main draw of the tournament. The final places were determined to end the two-day qualification phase.
In the men’s, New Zealand were joined by Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei and Iran. Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, Australia qualified after recording a 17-5 victory over Korea. New Zealand’s women also secured their place in the main draw after four straight wins, while India replaced Qatar in the main draw having won three of four games.
The sixth edition of Asia’s biggest event is being played at the famous Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Square, which is hosting the Asia Cup for the first time. The main draw of the Asia Cup started on day three with men’s and women’s Pool B and D play.
In the men’s competition, New Zealand’s Tall Blacks proved why they are considered gold medal contenders with a convincing 21-13 win against Korea. New Zealand then easily defeated Turkmenistan 21-10 to continue their momentum ahead of the main draw. Tai Wynyard and Dominique Kelman-Poto played bully ball in the qualification, combining for 31 of New Zealand’s 42 points on day two. Towering Esra McGoldrick was also a two-way force as she scored 15 points in the two games on day two and proved a menace with her defense to lead New Zealand’s charge.
In the women’s competition, New Zealand’s women were just as impressive with a 21-5 thrashing of Sri Lanka before taking down Hong Kong 19-9. Pawan Gamage made it storm at the Singapore Sports Hub with 19 points across three games, but Sri Lanka fell agonisingly two points short overall of Chinese Taipei, who progressed to the main draw.
Overall, New Zealand’s performance on day two was spectacular and has put them in good stead for the main draw of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2023.
The main draw of the Asia Cup starts on an action-packed Day 3 with men’s and women’s Pool B and D play.
Men’s
Pool A: Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, Singapore
Pool B: Japan, Australia, New Zealand
Pool C: China, India, Kazakhstan
Pool D: Philippines, Qatar, Iran
Women’s
Pool A: China, Iran, Philippines
Pool B: Japan, Chinese Taipei, Singapore
Pool C: Mongolia, Malaysia, New Zealand
Pool D: Thailand, India, Australia
Watch Day 3 of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2023 on their YouTube channel.
