5 May 2024
UTSUNOMIYA (Japan) - The Netherlands (Men) and Australia (Women) book their spots in the Paris Olympics with victories in the second FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2 in Utsunomiya, Japan.
In the Men’s category, The Dutch make good on their second opportunity at a spot in Paris, defeating Lithuania in a 19 - 15 final. A well-rounded game for the Dutchmen kept them ticking ahead of the Lithuanians, with huge buckets from Arvin Slagter and Jan Driessen being the difference. Worthy De Jong took home MVP honors, leading the competition in scoring and player value with 42 and 59.0 respectively.
The Netherlands join USA, Serbia, China and Latvia who are through to the Paris Olympics.
In the Women’s category, Australia defeated Canada in a blockbuster 16 - 19 final off the back of a collective effort. Ally Wilson capped off an incredible performance with clutch free throws and a block to seal the victory. Anneli Maley was the engine for her side throughout the tournament, leading the competition in Player value with 34.4. She was named MVP for the event to bookend an incredible run in Utsunomiya.
Australia join France, USA, China and Azerbaijan as the teams through to the Paris Olympics.
FINAL STANDINGS
Men
1. Netherlands
2. Lithuania
3. France
4. Mongolia
5. Japan
6. Puerto Rico
7. Brazil
8. Egypt
Women
1. Australia
2, Canada
3. Brazil
4. Germany
5. Netherlands
6. Japan
7. Austria
8. Kenya
The last 3 spots will be decided at the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Debrecen, Hungary, on 16-19 May.
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Exciting, urban and innovative, 3x3 is inspired by several forms of streetball played worldwide and is considered the most thrilling urban sport. Steered by FIBA, games see two teams of three players face off on a basketball half-court. 3x3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
For further information about 3x3, visit fiba3x3.basketball, FIBA 3x3 accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Sina Weibo, Tencent, TikTok, Twitter, Youku, YouTube or contact 3x3@fiba.basketball.