Australia Shocks USA in Thrilling 3x3 Basketball Showdown Ahead of World Cup
What an incredible moment for Australian basketball! Just days before the FIBA 3x3 World Cup kicks off, the Gangurrus—Australia’s elite 3x3 women’s team—delivered a statement win that has fans buzzing across the globe. In the Ulaanbaatar Stop of the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series, the Aussies defeated powerhouse USA in a heart-stopping final, sealing the game 20-19 and clinching their first Series title of the season. This is not just a win—it’s a major momentum shift right before the biggest tournament of the year.
Now, let me walk you through how it all went down. Australia didn’t have the smoothest start in Ulaanbaatar. In fact, they lost to the USA on Day One. But this team, stacked with talent like Anneli Maley, Miela Sowah, Ally Wilson, and Marena Whittle, came back stronger. In the quarterfinals, they overcame top-seeded Canada, then knocked out a tough Ukraine side in the semis. And that set the stage for a rematch with the USA.
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The final was everything you'd want in a championship game—fast-paced, physical, and filled with drama. USA came in hot, especially with their sharpshooting and the dynamic play of LSU’s Mikaylah Williams. They looked in control early on, raining down long-range shots while applying pressure on the Aussies. But the Gangurrus didn’t fold. They fought back with grit, relying on inside scoring and relentless hustle. Maley and Whittle stepped up big-time, with Maley’s final offensive rebound and putback sealing the deal.
Let’s not overlook how significant this victory is. The USA team was undefeated going into the final and are defending World Cup champions. For Australia to beat them just before the World Cup isn’t just about bragging rights—it shows the Gangurrus are real contenders for gold. And with past third-place finishes in the 2012 and 2023 World Cups, this might finally be the year they break through.
Meanwhile, on another front, the Pearls—Australia’s women's team for athletes with an intellectual disability—dominated the 2025 Virtus 5x5 Games in Kazakhstan, winning the best-of-three series and claiming the World Championship. The Pearls controlled the series from start to finish, showcasing the depth of talent within Basketball Australia across multiple formats and divisions.
From the Gangurrus' underdog victory over the USA to the Pearls’ world title, it’s clear—Australia is making waves on the international stage. With the FIBA 3x3 World Cup around the corner, all eyes will be on this dynamic squad. If this past week is any indicator, we're in for something special.
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