ULAANBAATAR (Mongolia) - Germany (men) and the Mongolia (women) delivered heroics in play-ins to earn Quarter-final spots on Day 5 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup on June 27.
TEAMS
GERMANY (men)
The young Germans have been turning heads for a while now, but they picked up perhaps their most important win as a senior unit so far. Taking on Olympic Gold Medalists in the Netherlands in a win-or-go-home game, both teams started off on form.
The Dutch started to pull ahead and showcase their status as one of the top teams in the world. However, the gritty German side kept fighting back.
With seconds to go, they took the lead, attacking the rim on their way to a late advantage. The Dutch couldn’t get the final shot to go as Germany held on to a 19 - 18 lead to upset the Olympic champs and book their spot in the Quarter-final tomorrow.
MONGOLIA (women)
They keep fighting.
The home side faced top-seeded China in play-in action. There was a significant size advantage for the women from China in this matchup, but the Mongolian women kept pushing.
The game stayed neck and neck for majority of the game, even going to OT, a similar situation to what happened yesterday against Ukraine. This time, it was Ariuntsetseg Bat-Erdene who attacked the rim and made the winning bucket, much to the delight of the home crowd.
PLAYERS
CARLOS MARTINEZ (SPAIN)
The experienced Carlos Martinez has delivered some crucial performances for Spain, but this one might rank right up at the top.
Taking on a physical and dominant Australian side, Martinez went on the offensive. He put up 9 points, a team-high in a 21 - 10 result. The win earned Spain their first-ever Quarter-final appearance in 3x3 World Cup history, and the veteran Martinez was at the heart of it all.
ARIUNTSETSEG BAT-ERDENE (MONGOLIA)
When it mattered most, Bat-Erdene answered the call.
It was a pivotal performance from the Mongolian star against a tall and physical China side. She was able to keep the opposition from dominating the paint, keeping up with their presence just as well.
Defensive clutchness aside, she put up 9 points in the game, including the game-winner in OT to seal Mongolia’s Quarter-final berth.
Mongolia will rely on her physicality and gumption as they look to make history at home.
QUARTER-FINAL
MEN
Serbia v Puerto Rico
Latvia v Switzerland
China v Spain
Germany v USA
WOMEN
Australia v Netherlands
Canada v Spain
France v Poland
Mongolia v USA
DAY 6
Day 6 is where Quarter-final action goes down. Who’ll land their place in the semis? Tune in LIVE to catch all the high-stakes World Cup action.