Mongolia win FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Ulaanbaatar Women's Series 2024

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia - Mongolian magic ruled the FIBA 3x3 Ulaanbaatar Women's Series 2024 as the home team successfully staved off a much bigger Ukraine side, 18-17, in the final showdown at Sukhbaatar Square on June 7.

Mongolia achieved a momentous victory in front of their loud and proud home fans, especially after failing to finish higher than 7th place in any World Series last year. In this tournament, they demonstrated their skills and resilience. Even if they failed to top their pool on the first day, Mongolia kept their composure and never surrendered a win in the knockout rounds on the second day. Their path to the Final included thrilling victories against the Philippines, Mongolia U23, Thailand, and China U24. In the championship match, they faced erstwhile unbeaten Ukraine, the top Pool A team led by Miriam Uro-Nilie and Krystyna Filevych. This win in the final was sweet payback for Mongolia, which lost to Ukraine on Day One, 21-14.

As anticipated, the showdown between Mongolia and Ukraine was highly competitive. However, Khulan Onolbaatar and Ariuntsetseg Bat-Erdene stole the show by constantly battling Ukraine's much bigger players all over the floor. Despite a slow start, falling behind 1-4 early in the game, Mongolia's warrior spirit never wavered. They unfurled a 10-1 run taking an 11-5 lead with under 5 minutes left.

Ukraine, however, continued to persevere, finding a way to tie it all up in the final minute, 17-all after an Uro-Nilie putback. Khulan, however, came up with the biggest play of the tournament with a sweeping lay-up that turned out to be the tournament-winning shot.

Not surprisingly, Khulan received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for the tournament. The Mongolian superstar showcased her prowess throughout the event. She led the entire field in scoring with 42 points and Player Value (49.1). Khulan also tallied 19 highlights throughout the two-day event.

In the crucial moments of the match, Khulan and the versatile Ariuntsetseg emerged as the game-changers for Ukraine. Their outstanding performances in the late stages secured Mongolia's first Women's Series title in history.

Khulan performance in the Final included 6 points, 2 rebounds, 3 highlights, and 2 two-pointers, earning her the prestigious title of Women's Series MVP.

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Mongolia
2. Ukraine
3. Austria
4. China U24
5. Thailand
6. Philippines
7. Austria U23
8. Mongolia U23

After a short break, the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2024 returns (June 14 to 15) with the Clermont-Ferrand Women's Series.

FIBA