ASTARA (Azerbaijan) – No. 2 seed China went back-to-back as they picked up a 21-15 win against debutants Egypt to win the Astara stop of the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series on May 21.
After winning the first Stop at home in Wuhan, China looked to dominate again. However, their start to the competition was faltering as they lost narrowly to Austria in the first game. Since then, they never looked back, finding their rhythm and going unbeaten on their way to the finals.
The final between China and Egypt was a tight battle to start off, it took no time for the MVP of the competition, Lili Wang, to start running the show, extending a 6-5 game to a 13-7 advantage. She finished the game with 9 points while stringing the proceedings for her side.
Ji Yuan Wan also caught fire in the finals, grabbing crucial rebounds and picking up contact, finishing her 7-point display with a clutch bucket in the paint with an and-one. Her free throw sealed the game, marking China as victors in Azerbaijan.
The event was full of turns and surprises as we saw No. 1 seeded Germany get knocked out in the group stages, going 0-2. On the other side of the coin, No. 9 seeded Ukraine pushed through to the semi-finals in an incredible effort, barely losing out to the eventual champions China.
Final standings
1. China
2. Egypt
3. Ukraine
4. Austria
5. Sc. Yuanda
6. Neftchi
7. Poland
8. Hungary
9. Romania
10. Germany
11. Czech Republic
12. Azerbaijan
The Women’s Series rolls on to France next as the action tips off in Clermont-Ferrard on June 9-10.
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Exciting, urban and innovative, 3×3 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. 3×3 made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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