UTSUNOMIYA, JAPAN — The Netherlands (Men) and Australia (Women) book their spots in the Paris Olympics with victories in the second FIBA 3×3 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 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Debrecen, Hungary, on 16-19 May.
FIBA Media Release
Photo credit: FIBA
