ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - Germany and Japan were clinical all day, going unbeaten on Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup on June 24.
TEAMS
GERMANY (men)
The young Germans have been more prominent than ever in the pro circuit this season, and on the first day of their biggest test together, they delivered.
They faced another team of dynamic rising stars in Australia. While a closely fought battle with physicality at the forefront. Germany stayed true to form. Fabian Giessmann scored 9 while Leon Fertig added 7 points in their 21 - 17 victory.
They faced Madagascar next who have a history of causing a stir in the World, capable of catching fire from deep. However; the defensively-stringent Germans prevented the reigning Africa Cup winners from getting going.
It was another 15-point combined effort from the mercurial Giessmann and astute Fertig that capped off a 21 - 13 win.
China were the other side to go unbeaten on the day.
JAPAN (women)
A talented Japan side showed up and showed out in Ulaanbaatar tonight as they took down heavy competition to go perfect in their first couple games.
They took on the Netherlands who have been in red-hot form in the circuit, coming into this tournament as the team to beat. The fast-paced Japan side gave them problems however, using their shotmaking and hustle to earn them the 21 - 16 victory.
Fuyuko Takahashi put up 12 points in an important result for Japan.
They faced Chile next who pose problems with their size advantages in the paint. Japan stuck to their plan however and emerged victorious yet again. A collective scoring effort earned them a 21 - 12 win.
Spain, The United States and Germany also went perfect today.
PLAYERS
FABIAN GIESSMANN (GERMANY)
The young star has been the talk of 3x3 ever since his entry into the scene. He’s been dominant all season and today was no different.
The Germans went unbeaten in pool play against stiff competition that posed a threat in the paint. Australia and Madagascar. Giessmann’s rim deterrence proved to be a huge hurdle for opposition. Add his 9 points each game and it’s easy to see how he ran the show for Germany on the day.
It’s a hot start for the young stars from Germany and Giessmann is at the center of it all.
SARAH STRONG (USA)
Speaking on dominance, Sarah Strong had herself a day!
Team USA went perfect in pool play today, and Strong was putting in work over their two games.
Her first game was one to remember, a 12 point, 10 rebound monstrous display, earned them the 21 - 12 victory over Czechia. They took on the contending Dutch side next and she was once again the star of the show, putting up 7 points and 9 rebounds in a 15 - 11 result.
She was at the heart of their offense and defense tonight, a solid formula as they look to repeat team USA’s heroics in 2023.
DAY 3
Pool play gets serious as we have our deciding games tomorrow, wrapping up half of pool action tomorrow. Who’ll book their place in the knockout stages? Find out tomorrow! Catch it all LIVE on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube channel.