(Photo FIBA)
Both the Chinese teams and the New Zealand men delivered commanding performances to top their respective pools and advance to the quarter-finals of the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026.
They were joined by Japan women, who also finished unbeaten to book their place in the knockout stage as the Main Draw tipped off at The Kallang.
China’s men produced one of the standout moments of the day, securing a 21-15 win over Australia, which was their first-ever victory against Australia at the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup.
At the center of the breakthrough was Liu Qianhao, whose shooting display proved decisive. He poured in 13 points, including five two-pointers, stretching the defense and swinging momentum in China’s favor.
After a tight start, Liu’s long-range shooting helped China pull ahead late, sealing a statement win that propelled them into the Quarter-Finals.
Despite an earlier 21-19 upset loss to Malaysia, China advanced alongside Australia due to superior scoring, topping a tightly contested Pool B.
China’s women also delivered a composed and efficient showing, going 2-0 to top Women’s Pool A.
They opened with a 16-13 win over Thailand, grinding through a physical contest before taking control late. They followed it up with a convincing 21-14 victory over Kazakhstan, with strong inside play and balanced scoring proving key.
China now move into the quarter-finals as one of the teams to beat.
New Zealand ride Te Tuhi Lewis’ rhythm
New Zealand were one of the most impressive teams of the day, going 2-0 to top Men’s Pool D with authority.
Leading the charge was Te Tuhi Lewis, who scored 20 points across two games and dictated the tempo throughout.
New Zealand opened with a 16-11 win over India, before stepping up in a dominant 21-11 victory over Qatar. Lewis caught fire in the second game, knocking down back-to-back two-pointers to break it open.
With strong ball movement and efficient scoring, New Zealand head into the Quarter-Finals in sharp form. They will need it, too, as they face Oceania rivals Australia in a win-or-go-home Day 5 matchup.
Japan women remain composed
Japan’s women had a strong Day 3 run, finishing 2-0 to secure top spot in their pool.
They opened with a dominant 21-11 win over Singapore, controlling the game from start to finish. They followed it up with a hard-fought 14-11 victory over Chinese Taipei, holding firm after a late push from their opponents.
Japan now advance to the Quarter-Finals, where they will face dangerous Thailand.
With pool play underway, several teams have already secured their spots in the knockout rounds.
China (men and women), New Zealand (men), and Japan (women) headline the early qualifiers as the competition begins to separate contenders from challengers. In the Men’s side, Australia and Qatar also advance, while over on the Women’s side, Thailand and hometown favorites Singapore move on.
Day 4 will see the conclusion of pool play, with the remaining quarter-final spots on the line.
