(Photo FIBA)
Oceanic giants Australia and New Zealand completed dominant, unbeaten runs to be crowned women’s and men’s champions at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2 in Singapore.
Australia’s road to the women’s title was far from straightforward. They needed a dramatic comeback in the semi-finals, where Amy Atwell’s late heroics lifted them past China, 21-20, before taking full control in the final over Philippines, 18-9, to extend their dynasty in the Asia Cup, claiming the tittle for the sixth time.
New Zealand, meanwhile, dethroned men’s defending champions Australia earlier in the day, with Te Tuhi Lewis catching fire from deep to lead a 21-16 semi-finals win. They maintained that momentum in the Final, controlling Korea with disciplined offense and timely shot-making before icing the game, 21-15.
Beyond the champions, the tournament marked historic breakthroughs.
The Philippines women reached their first-ever Asia Cup Final. Led by Afril Bernardino and Kacey Dela Rosa, they showcased resilience and growth, ultimately securing a landmark silver medal — their first podium finish in the competition.
The Koream men also made history, advancing to their first Asia Cup Final despite battling adversity, including playing the semi-finals with a shortened rotation. Their run to silver signals a major step forward for the program.
China, meanwhile, capped a consistent campaign with bronze medals in both competitions.
Awards
Women’s MVP: Kristy Wallace (Australia)
Women’s Team of the Tournament:
- Kristy Wallace (Australia)
- Afril Bernardino (Philippines)
- Zhang Zhiting (China)
Men’s MVP: Te Tuhi Lewis (New Zealand)
Men’s Team of the Tournament:
- Te Tuhi Lewis (New Zealand)
- Kim SeungWoo (Republic of Korea)
- Liu Qianhao (China)
Men’s Standings: 1. New Zealand; 2. Korea; 3. China; 4. Japan; 5. Mongolia; 6. Philippines; 7. Australia; 8. Qatar; 9. Malaysia; 10. Singapore; 12. Chinese Taipei; 13. India
Women’s Standings: 1. Australia; 2. Philippines; 3. China; 4. Japan; 5. Mongolia; 6. Thailand; 7. Singapore; 8. New Zealand; 9. Chinese Taipei; 10. Kazakhstan; 11. Tongal 12. Malaysia
