Mongolia and Australia clutch up on Day 2 of FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament

UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - Mongolia (Men) and Australia (Women) go unbeaten to secure Semi-Final spots on Day 2 of the second FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Utsunomiya, Japan. 

Mongolia dominate (Men)

After a loss to home side Japan on Opening day, the Mongolian men came out swinging. They started with a thrilling 21 - 17 win over Olympic hosts France led by a mammoth 10-point effort from Anand Ariunbold. It was Egypt next and the same result followed, a 21 - 17 victory. Dulguun Enkhbat and Enkhbaatar Onolbaatar combined for 13 as the Mongolians claimed their Semi-Final spot. 

The Aussies come up clutch (Women)

The Gangurrus suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Netherlands on Day 1, which meant they would need to be flawless to book a spot in the Semis. 

They started off with a dominant 22-9 win over Kenya. Marena Whittle and Lauren Mansfield put up 7 each to lead their side to victory. 

Next up was the juggernauts in Canada. The Aussies withstood the onslaught and grinded their opposition down on defense. Anneli Maley led them in scoring with 9 as the Australians started to take control of the game. It was Maley who put up the clutch free throw to seal the 21-16 victory to grab a Semi-Final berth. 

Lithuanians settle the score (Men)

A 1-1 Day 1 left the Lithuanians in need of a win, this time against a side their players suffered a recent loss to in the World Tour circuit in Puerto Rico. This time, Lithuania took care of business. Sarunas Vingelis led his side in scoring with 9 while Evaldas Džiaugys added a monster 8 point - 5 rebound game to seal a 21 - 12 victory. 

Brazil seal the deal (Women)

The Brazilian Women needed a win on Day 2 to seal a spot in the knockout round, and it wouldn’t be easy as they took on home side Egypt. A close game throughout, it was Clarissa Dos Santos who put up the winning bucket in the final seconds as Brazil took home a 12-13 win and will be back in action on Day 3. 

SEMI-FINAL

MEN

Netherlands v Mongolia

France v Lithuania

WOMEN

Germany v Canada

Australia v Brazil

DAY 3

We find out who books their ticket to Paris! Do not miss the Finals action tomorrow!