The 3×3 Tall Ferns have earned the silver medal – their second in two years – at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup in Singapore, after falling 13-18 in the final against defending champs the Australian Gangurrus. Sharne Robati again earned All-Tournament team honours for her efforts, after scoring 26 points over 5 games.
The 3×3 Tall Blacks didn’t fare as well, dropping a 11-21 decision to Iran in the men’s semi-finals and then falling 18-21 against Mongolia in the bronze medal game; the Kiwis unable to repeat their Bronze medal effort in 2023 in finishing fourth overall.
3×3 Tall Ferns
Women’s Quarter-Finals: NZL 15, JAP 14
The 3×3 Tall Ferns have battled their way to a come-from-behind, 15-14 win over Japan in the quarter-finals of the 3×3 Asia Cup – earning a place in the semi-final round later tonight. Trailing 4-8 early, New Zealand staged an impressive comeback; going on a 9-2 run to build a 13-10 lead in the final minutes. A late comeback from Japan wasn’t enough – Ella Fotu sealing the Kiwi victory with an outside shot in the final minute. Sharne Robati led New Zealand with 6 points & 7 rebounds (4 offensive), while Fotu had 5 & 5. Lauryn Hippolite had 3 points & 5 rebounds, Esra McGoldrick with 2 & 6 while shooting 50% from the floor.
Box Score: https://bbnz.link/3x3ACW_NZLvJAP
Women’s Semi-Finals: NZL 16, TPE 15
The 3×3 Tall Ferns are FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup finals-bound, following a nail-biting 16-15 win over Chinese Taipei in the semi-found round. With scores locked at 10-all, the Kiwis scored 4 straight – thanks to back-to-back scores from Sharne Robati and an outside dagger from Ella Fotu. New Zealand survived a late comeback by Chinese Taipei to be assumed of a place in the final – and a re-match with defending champs Australia. Fotu led the Kiwis with 6 points, 6 rebounds and 4 key assists in an all-around effort; Esra McGoldrick with 5 points (4-6 shooting), 6 rebounds and 2 blocks in her best game of the tournament so far. Robati also had 5 points along with 3 rebounds.
Box score: https://bbnz.link/3x3ACW_NZLvTPE
Women’s Final: NZL 13, AUS 18
The 3×3 Tall Ferns will settle for the Silver medal, after falling 13-18 to defending champs Australia in the final of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup. With scores tied at 3 all early, Australia went on a 5-0 run to build out their lead. New Zealand remained in the mix throughout, trailing by just 2 before the Gangurrus scored 3 straight to close the game out. Anneli Maley was dominant with her 8pts & 11reb, while New Zealand was hampered by both turnovers (11) and rebounding (15 vs 27). Sharne Robati led the Kiwis with 5pts & 4 rebounds, while Lauryn Hippolite sank 2 doubles for her 4 points. Esra McGoldrick tallied 2 points & 5 rebounds, Ella Fotu with 2.
Box Score: https://bbnz.link/3x3ACWF_NZLvAUS
3×3 Tall Blacks
Men’s Quarter-Finals: NZL 21, THA 17
The 3×3 Tall Blacks are through to the 3×3 Asia Cup Semi-Finals, following an epic 21-17 win over Thailand in the Quarter-final round this afternoon. In a tense and physical game that saw both teams battling foul trouble, the game was tied at 16 apiece with 2 minutes remaining; New Zealand embarking on a 4-0 run to put the game away. The win came thanks to a herculean effort from Tai Wynward, the 6’10” centre hauling down 16 rebounds – 9 offensive – along with 10 points for his impressive double-double. He was supported by Nikau McCullough’s 7 points (3-8 from outside the arc), 5 rebounds & 3 key assists, while Chris McIntosh had 4 points and Dom Kelman-Poto added 3 rebounds.
Box score: https://bbnz.link/3x3ACM_NZLvTHA
Men’s Semi-Finals: NZL 11, IRI 21
Iran have beaten the 3×3 Tall Blacks 21-11 tonight in the semi-finals of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, dominating the boards 21-11 – including 10 offensive boards – to earn their first-ever trip to the 3×3 Asia Cup finals. Back-to-back outside shots from Iran helped them to build an early 6-1 lead; New Zealand fought back but struggled from outside (0-7 from beyond the arc) while Iran hit 6-14 from outside. Dom Kelman-Poto registered his best offensive game of the tournament in New Zealand’s loss; 6 points on 5-7 shooting along with 4 rebounds, while Tai Wynyard had 3 points & 4 rebounds. Chris McIntosh added 2 points & 2 key assists.
Box score: https://bbnz.link/3x3ACM_NZLvIRI
Men’s Bronze Medal Game: NZL 18, MGL 21
The 3×3 Tall Blacks have fallen 18-21 to a raw but talented Mongolia squad, missing out on a medal at this FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup competition. Playing a chaotic brand of 3×3 basketball, Mongolia was led by Anand Ariunbold a.k.a. the ‘Archer’, who dropped 15 of his team’s 21 points – including 4 shots from outside the arc. After a pair of outside shots by Nikau McCullough to tie the game at 15 all, Ariunbold was able to seal the game with a pair of free throws from the line. New Zealand was led by Tai Wynyard’s 8 points on 8-8 shooting, with Dom Kelman-Poto adding 4 points & 5 rebounds . McCullough added 4points and Chris McIntosh 3; New Zealand hampered by poor free throw shooting as they went 0-6 from the charity stripe.
Box score: https://bbnz.link/3x3ACW_NZLvMGL
