AUSTRALIA and China rose as king and queen of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) 3×3 Asia Cup, respectively, after thrilling wins against separate challengers at the close of the continental tilt in Singapore.
Led by MVP Jesse Wagstaff, Australia completed a three-peat in men鈥檚 play after a 21-17 win over rival New Zealand while China overcame Australia in the women鈥檚 division finale, 14-10.
It鈥檚 the first FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup title for China behind the efforts of MVP Lili Wang.
China also secured a bronze medal in the men鈥檚 tilt with a 20-18 win over Gilas Pilipinas while Indonesia completed the women鈥檚 podium with a 21-17 win over Japan.
Gilas men, as heavy underdog that showcased a Cinderella run from the qualifiers, still overachieved at fourth place for its best finish in international 3×3 play.
鈥淭his is the Philippines鈥 best ever finish in the FIBA 3脳3 Asia Cup and a clear sign that the partnership with the PBA is working out well,鈥 said the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) 3×3 stalwarts Almond Vosotros, Samboy de Leon and Lervin Flores from TnT as well as Joseph Eriobu from Purefoods led the country鈥檚 stellar Final Four finish in the prestigious Asian tilt that featured 30 teams.
SBP also credited the efforts of coaches Mau Belen (TnT) Tony Boy Espinosa (Purefoods) and Lester del Rosario (Pioneer Pro Tibay) with officials SBP 3脳3 director Ronnie Magsanoc, PBA 3×3 director Joey Guanio, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial, PBA chairman Ricky Vargas and PBA 3×3 commissioner Dickie Bachmann.
Meanwhile, Gilas women鈥檚 team finished at 14th place after falling short in the qualifying phase. 鈥 John Bryan Ulanday
