SINGAPORE - Three-time champion Australia (men's) submitted powerful performances, while the Philippines (women's) also impressed and moved a step closer to qualifying for the main draw of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024. 

Qualification is being fought out on the first two days of the event, which runs from March 27-31. The four pool winners from the men's and the three pool winners from the women's will qualify to the main draw starting on March 29. 

The seventh edition of Asia's biggest event has already heated up the world-famous Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Square, which is hosting the Asia Cup for the third straight year.

THE TEAMS 

The Philippines are hoping for their first Asia Cup medal - men's or women's. But their women's team will have to do it the hard way - through qualification and they were sluggish early against Tahiti. 

The Philippines did click into gear and finished strongly to pull away with a convincing 21-3 victory before the 10-minute time limit. 

Their momentum continued against Maldives, with the Philippines hustling hard and attacking the rim in a fast start. They were forced to fend off a rally from Maldives before putting the foot down to win 19-11. 

The Philippines set up a day two blockbuster with Kazakhstan, who were also unbeaten.  

In the men's, powerhouse Australia made a strong start with a 21-5 thrashing of Tahiti. It's a new-look Australia with only sharpshooter Todd Blanchfield returning from last year's silver medal winning team. 

Newcomer Will Hickey showed off his defensive prowess to raise Australia's intensity as they also easily defeated Kyrgyzstan 21-6 to cap a perfect start. 

India have never medalled in the men's but made a statement with comprehensive victories over Maldives and Macau. Princepal Singh dominated the paint, while young gun Sahaij Sekhon tapped into his bag of tricks. 

THE PLAYERS 

Blanchfield left off from his outstanding 3x3 debut at last year's event with an incredible 15 points against Tahiti. He was on fire with five splashes from deep as he finished with a total of 19 points on Day One. 

Jhazmin Joson made a spectacular start for Philippines and found her range against Tahiti. She was unstoppable and hit four two-pointers in a 10-point masterpiece. 

Joson didn't have the shooter's touch in the next game, but showed off her fancy skills with a terrific layup in traffic to shut the door on a fightback from Maldives. 

THE SHOT

After losing their first game to Sri Lanka, Indonesia (men's) faced a tough task against Republic of Korea who won their opener against Northern Mariana Islands. 

But Korea were reduced to three men and played without a sub in the oppressive humidity. Even though they were gassed, Korea fought hard in a nerve-jangling game that needed OT to find a winner. 

With ice in his veins, Erick Ibrahim Junior called game with a banked two to trigger scenes of celebration from the Indonesian players.  

DAY 2

Watch Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024 on our YouTube channel. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch the FIBA #3x3Asia Cup for free. 

FIBA