The Australian Gangurrus 3x3 women’s basketball team has claimed a stunning bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Vienna, defeating fourth seed China, 21-20.
In a drama-filled game for the final place on the podium, the team of Anneli Maley, Marena Whittle, Alex Wilson and Lauren Mansfield fought to the end against the reigning bronze medallists, with Whittle burying a two-point shot late to secure victory.
Coached by Damon Lowery, it was an incredible World Cup campaign by the quartet who were seeded 19th in the 20-team competition.
Their win marks only the second time Australia has secured a piece of silverware at a FIBA 3x3 World Cup, after the women’s team took home bronze at the inaugural tournament back in 2012.
Sitting in Group B, the team only lost one match in the pool phase – a narrow loss to second seed Germany – while defeating Japan (6), Poland (10), and Egypt (15) to top their group.
The Gangurrus then dismantled Spain (9) 21-10 in the quarter final to progress to the semi-final against the reigning champs, France.
Taking it all the way up to the French, the Aussies put in a gritty performance, but fell just short against the number one seeds, 21-17 - resulting in a battle for third with China.
Speaking after the game, an excited Whittle – who with 70 points was named in the Team of the Tournament – said she was proud of the team for never giving up and delighted they were able to bring home the medal for Australia.
“China is an amazing team and when we were down, we were talking to each other saying ‘we can still do it, tough defense and get the rebounds’ we do it up and it went in. We had Anneli getting the rebounds and that’s what gets us extra possessions – it was amazing,” Whittle said.
“Our coach Damon gives us all confidence to make buckets down the line, it’s great having my teammates back as well and I know they’re behind me on every shot I take.
“I love my country, I love playing for the Gangurrus and I love every single one of our girls including our squad back home, I love you all and I can’t wait to bring this medal home.”
The place on the podium also sees Australia secure a spot at the Paris 2024 qualifying event early next year.
The Gangurrus Men’s 3x3 team, comprising of Mitch McCarron, Daniel Johnson, Andrew Steel and Lucas Walker, finished 15th overall at the World Cup.
The men faced tough matchups against second ranked USA and seventh ranked Latvia, which ultimately saw their campaign end after the group phase.
About the FIBA 3x3 World Cup
The FIBA 3x3 World Cup is the leading 3x3 event for national teams and took place at the Rathausplatz, in Vienna, Austria between May 30 to June 4.
The very best from around the world do battle in the men's 3x3 tournament and the women's 3x3 tournament. Unlike the "open" network of tournaments (which includes the FIBA 3x3 World Tour), players taking part in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup do not create the team themselves, but instead are selected by their national federations to represent their countries.
In order to be eligible, players who compete in the 3x3 World Cup must be registered on play.fiba3x3.com and have the nationality of the country they represent.
This was the seventh edition of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup. For more information about 3x3 basketball, including events, rules and much more, visit fiba3x3.basketball.
