Cyberjaya, Malaysia- On April 12th, the 3rd Asian University 3x3 Basketball Championship officially started in the Basketball Count of Gem Inn Mall , where 2016&2017 FIBA Asia U18 3x3 Basketball Championship was and will be held as well. 11 men’s teams and 9 women’s teams altogether presented 15 wonderful matches to the audiences.
Men’s Game:
The opening game started with China B(Central South University of China) against Mongolia. Being the first runner-up of 2016 World University 3x3 Basketball Championship, Mongolia played very physically and toughly. Height was their advantage and they took it well by scored most of the points inside and around the paint area. Central South University of China representing Team China B, participated in the 2nd AUBC 3x3 last year and ranked No.6. This year, they prepared better and aimed to gab a medal. By creating multiple open shots behind the arc by intense defence and fluent passes, Team China B seemed to have a better strategy. Besides, Chinese shooters didn't waste any chances. Several long-range shots made it possible to control the game. Mongolia seemed to have a hard time to put the ball into the basket, many missed shots and fouls committed gave the lead to China B. Finally, China B won the game by 17-13.
The host team Malaysia B made their first appearance right after the first game. Their opponent was from the neighboring country Indonesia. Malaysia had participated in the 2016 World University 3x3 Basketball Championship, and this experience gave them a huge advantage in understanding the game. They played with high speed, and presented some beautiful long-range-shots. Indonesia also got their top 3x3 players on the court. No.7 Rivaldo showed a great leadership by encouraging teammates and instructing them what to do in harsh situations. The game had always been tied, neither team could be able to maintain the lead for more than 20 seconds. Up until the last minute of the game, the score was 19-19 tied, whoever scored to 21 would win the game before game ended. Both teams were trying to shoot from the arc, however Rivaldo of Indonesia was the lucky one to finish the game with a two point shot. What a game! All the audiences stood up and cheered for both teams for their efforts to bring a wonderful game. During their second game against the Philippines, it was Rivaldo again who contributed the winning shot. Rivaldo, wearing his lucky 7 jersey, was definitely the guy that took all the highlights of day.
Women’s Game:
The women’s teams also delivered some intense basketball matches today. The most exciting one was the first game played by Chinese Culture University of Chinese Taipei and Spriathum University of Thailand. Both teams were very experienced and professional in 3x3 basketball. The Thailand team was the first runner-up in the 2nd AUBC 3x3, and entered the WUBL 3x3 2016. The Chinese Taipei team was also very strong and was first runner-up of 2016 World University 3x3 Basketball Championship. . Both teams were playing on their rhythm since they had been rivalries for many times during the previous Asian and World University 3x3 Basketball Championships. Thailand made a long range shot after the ball check, triggering the alert of Taipei’s players. Amphawa of Thailand and Lin Yu-ting of Chinese Taipei were the key players of each team, who received “special attention” from their rivals. Therefore, contributions from other players were extremely significant. Lo Ping from Chinese Taipei stood out and made some precise shots that kept Chinese Taipei on the lead till the end, the final score was 17-14.
The first competition day went on quite smoothly. Despite of a few excessive physical contacts were made during the game, every player was able to put their mind into the game instead of arguing with referees and opponents. A good sign of sportsmanship had been shown throughout the day. Stay tuned with us to see the second day of this event!
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