New Zealand’s participation in the 2023 FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup has produced a pair of medals for the Kiwi teams, with the 3×3 Tall Ferns claiming silver and the 3×3 Tall Blacks settling for bronze in the final day of action.
3×3 Tall Ferns
The 3×3 Tall Ferns earned a hard-fought 17-10 quarter-final win over the Philippines earlier in the day, progressing to the semi-finals where they faced Thailand – who they dominated 21-8 to reach the final game.
But they fell 11-21 against a hot-shooting Australia in the final of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, finishing off their campaign with a silver medal; only their second-ever podium finish at this tough competition, having won gold back in 2018.
New Zealand’s Sharne Pupuke-Robati was named to the Team of the Tournament, after averaging 6.6 points, 6.2 rebounds and shooting 56% from the field during the 5 main draw games. She joined MVP Marena Whittle and teammate Anneli Maley from Australia on the team.
The 3×3 Tall Ferns will continue to work towards Olympics qualification by generating more FIBA ranking points for New Zealand; this includes their participation in an upcoming FIBA 3×3 Women’s series in Europe. Details to follow.
3×3 Tall Blacks
The 3×3 Tall Blacks had a tougher time in the 3×3 Asia Cup playoffs, first squeezing past a tough Iran team 20-18 in quarter-final play. That set them up for a clash against Mongolia, with the Kiwis falling 18-19 against the eventual 3×3 Asia Cup champions – in a game that went down to the wire.
Facing China in the third place game, the 3×3 Tall Blacks rallied for a 21-13 win – their first bronze medal and third overall in this competition.
Following the game, New Zealand’s Tai Wynyard was named to the Team of the Tournament after finishing with 30 points and 29 rebounds in five games. He was joined by Mongolia’s Delgernyam Davaasambuu – who was named MVP – and Australia’s Daniel Johnson.
The 3×3 Tall Blacks will focus on qualifying for both the FIBA 3X3 World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics, with a FIBA 3X3 World Cup 2023 Qualifier in Israel marked on their calendar for May this year. Details to follow.
3×3 Tall Blacks results (6-2)
> Vs Tonga – 20-10 win
> Vs Republic of Korea – 21-13 win
> Vs Turkmenistan – 21-10 win
> Vs Japan – 21-10 win
> Vs Australia – 13-21 loss
> Quarter-finals vs Iran – 20-18 win
> Semi-Finals vs Mongolia – 18-19 loss
> 3rd place vs China – 21-13 win
3×3 Tall Ferns results (8-1)
> Vs Tahiti – 19-8 win
> Vs India – 20-9 win
> Vs Sri Lanka – 21-5 win
> Vs Hong Kong – 19-9 win
> Vs Mongolia – 17-10 win
> Vs Malaysia – 21-5 win
> Quarter-finals vs Philippines – 17-10 win
> Semi-Finals vs Thailand – 21-8 win
> Finals vs Australia – 11-21 loss
