A physically punishing test against top-seeded China in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup quarter-finals could prove valuable for the Singapore women’s team as they build towards the Apr 11–12 World Cup qualifiers, with guard Jermaine Lim believing the experience will stand them in good stead after a 16–12 loss.
“I think we’re happy with the way we fought against a much physically stronger and bigger team. We really tried our best,” Lim said about the team’s performance at the OCBC Square on Sunday (Apr 5) afternoon.
“Definitely areas that we can do better at. Technique-wise, denying and preventing their passes because that’s clearly where they are trying to beat us at. But other than that, in terms of the effort, we really gave our best. And we utilised our time out quite efficiently to get rest and go back on the court and fight quite hard again.”
Before a creditable showing against a team that seemed to tower over them with the likes of 1.89m Zhang Jian Ping and 1.95m Zhang Zhi Ting in their ranks, the host side had already themselves conquered new heights in the competition with a first quarter-final appearance after mustering a 19-16 victory over Chinese Taipei in their second and final Pool C match on Friday (Apr 3) night.
Following a 21-11 loss to third-seeded Japan, the team gave a good account against one of the tournament favourites, staying within touching distance at 6-6 early on before a Wanglai four-point blitz widened the gap between the sides.
“There’s been some improvements from previous years, where we faced bigger teams, but still a lot to work on. Offensively, we need more time to build some team chemistry.”
“There were things we spotted during the games that we couldn’t execute well… We’re just going to keep working on our execution from here on, and hopefully the next competition will be better,” Lim said.
Head coach Lazar Rasic recognised the team’s effort against a physically dominant Chinese side and was proud of the way his charges brought the game to their opponents.
“We were close; we were always one of the two possessions behind them. I think we had some mistakes… but it’s normal for a team that is young and up and coming. I’m proud of them again for fighting very, very well against the number one team in Asia, so they should be proud.”
Meanwhile, the men’s team had entered the tournament with considerable wind in their sails after they masterminded a huge upset victory over Swiss side and eventual winners Lugano in the 3×3.EXE Super Premier just a week earlier.
But with two pool losses, falling to Japan 20-16 and suffering a late collapse to the 17th-seeded and eventual finalist Republic of Korea 21-19, Rasic rued the narrow margins that defined the teams’ campaign.
“There were really good moments. Unfortunately, this time around, we had some tough losses, like by one point or two points… But we are improving. For me, that’s most important.”
“Our game and style are improving, and now we need to gain experience. We need to win this kind of game so that we learn how to win the next one.”
With the World Cup qualifiers fast approaching next weekend, Rasic laid down the gauntlet.
“We need to qualify for the World Cup, because there is nothing else for us. We will give our best to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in history. I hope we will be able to do that. If not, then of course it’s a big learning experience for us.”
The plan for the coming days is clear.
“We need to be stable throughout and stick to the gameplay and game strategy. In this game (against China), our strategy was to attack from the outside. In a few moments, we were rushing; we were not following the game strategy, which cost us a lot.”
“Same for the men’s game. Against Korea, there was a period of 30 seconds where we conceded five points from our mistakes, so basically, we beat ourselves. So, now we have to analyse this through video sessions, and try not to repeat this.”
Meanwhile, the women’s competition saw defending champions Australia secure a fourth consecutive title, dispatching the Philippines 18-9 in the final.
The Gangurrus looked to be on their way out in the semi-finals before Amy Atwell rescued them from the brink, sinking five two-pointers in a 21-19 victory over China, her decisive shot coming with just 15.8 seconds left on the clock.
Speaking on that sensational comeback against China, Atwell said, “It just goes to show how much heart this group has. Never once will we down and out. We just kept fighting.”
Finishing second on the scoring charts with 37 points, one behind China’s Zhang ZhiTing, Atwell credited her teammates for her productivity, especially beyond the arc.
“Especially in the China game, (my teammates) would do whatever they could to get me open looks in the two-ball. So, it was their defence and their passing that got me there. And I just got the easy part.”
In the men’s competition, New Zealand won their first title after being dumped out at the semi-final stage for three editions in a row. T
The Tall Blacks beat surprise package Korea 21-15 in the final, but Most Valuable Player David Lewis felt their 21-16 quarter-final victory over defending champions Australia was the most pivotal in their title run.
“Our team, we haven’t beaten Australia in a long time. And so that quarter-final was probably our biggest one that we had circled, especially after last year’s (semi-final loss to Australia).”
Describing the historic title as one that meant a lot to the team and country, Lewis took the opportunity to pay tribute to former Tall Blacks players.
“I want to (show) respect to all the players that came before us. Special mention to Tai Wynyard, Dominique Kelman-Poto, Jayden Bezzant, and Nikau McCullough. These guys, I’ve spent time with them back in New Zealand. I’m just really happy that I was able to carry on something that they began for us.”
