ANTANANARIVO (Madagascar) - The seventh edition of the FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup was the best in tournament history amid an epic fight for the continental crown on December 5-7 Here are the things we learned from the three-day spectacle.
The host with the most
For the second consecutive year, host Madagascar bagged double gold to cement the island country as Africa's powerhouse on the half-court. In the men's, Madagascar claimed their third title of the last four events but it wasn't easy.
Madagascar were made to work against Rwanda in a rematch of last year's final in an epic opener, prevailing 21-18. But they then cruised in their next three games to ensure their title defense remained on track.
It meant Madagascar met Egypt in the final in a clash between teams who had both won two previous titles. Madagascar appeared on the brink of an agonizing defeat trailing 19-16 before superstar Elly Randriamampionona and Livio Ratianarivo came up clutch with successive two-pointers.
Alpha Solondrainy proved the hero with the title-winning bucket to ensure Madagascar made it back-to -back.
It was a similar story in the women's with Madagascar going all the way in an undefeated campaign, but they also had to work. In a sign of things to come, Madagascar edged two-time former champs Egypt in a rematch of last year's final.
They had another trio of tough games en route to the final, including a thrilling 21-20 dub over 2023 champs Kenya. It meant powers Madagascar and Egypt reprised their rivalry and another epic ensued.
Sydonie Andriamihajanirina and Minaharisoa Jaofera proved the heroes as Madagascar defended their crown with a 17-16 victory.
Madagascar's 3x3 men and women stars sure love playing in front of their wild fans.
Randriamampionona is Africa's No.1
If there was any doubt, Randriamampionona confirmed his status as Africa's best men's player on the half-court. Randriamampionona once again proved he can score a flurry of buckets quicker than it takes to write his name.
He remains one of the best players in the clutch, reinforced in the final when he tallied an insane 11 points on the biggest stage. He finished with a tournament-high 45 points and player-value score of 54.2 to walk off with the MVP.
Jaofera goes back-to-back
It was to the surprise of no one that Minaharisoa Jaofera once again lifted the MVP award after another dazzling domination of the continent's showpiece event. She racked up a tournament-high 45 points and player-value score of 41.0 to underline her star qualities.
When it mattered most, Jaofera always came up big for her side and she was even better this time around than last year. There is no better women's player in Africa than MJ.
Egypt remain an African powerhouse
For the second straight year, Egypt fell short to the hosts in both genders. But they once again proved to be a significant powerhouse in Africa. Egypt have now won nine medals combined over the seven editions, an equal tally to Madagascar.
The Egypt men's only loss was against Madagascar in the final and they were well led by star Youssef Refaat, who finished on the Team of the Tournament.
The Egypt women only lost twice - you guessed it, to Madagascar both times. But they continued their proud record of medalling after reaching the podium for the fifth straight event. Alia Khaled was the star of stars to finish on the Team of the Tournament.
Antananarivo was an amazing host once again
Antananarivo once again hosted the biggest event in Africa with aplomb. In fact, the sequel was even better than the original as Antananarivo became the center of Africa as their passionate fans made plenty of noise at the Palais Des Sports Et De La Culture.
FIBA