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FastBreak 3x3 FIBA Qualifying Tournament

By Coach Mesecke, 09/17/19, 5:30PM +08

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FastBreak Men off to Pro Event in Taipei!

FastBreak started our senior season with our first FIBA Senior Qualifying tournament with 8 teams vying to qualify for the tournament in Taiwan. Many of our men’s league teams were able to put together teams to compete.

We had our elite junior boys put together a team as well as current and ex-FastBreak coaches who were equal favourites with Men’s League Champions Entourage. These two teams were drawn against each other for the first game, and it didn’t take long for them to start working out how different the 3x3 game really is. Our FastBreak boys team also started well, with a win in their first game. As the tournament progressed, we could see the teams moving to improve their ball movement as well as trying to transition to shoot and then defend the deadly 3pt shots. 

Each team had the chance to play all other 7 teams over the first two nights and it was great to see 7 of the 8 teams win multiple games. The FastBreak Men’s team was undefeated going into the Quarter Finals.

On the second night we entered the knockout phase. The FastBreak boys team had the best game of the round against Team 10 in the 4v5 clash, and just when they looked like they were going to come away with the win, Team 10, lead by FastBreak Alum Nico Petersik, made some vital plays to take the game.

It was here that the surprise loss of the Iguanas showed the teams that in the “10 minute, or first to 21” 3x3 format, any team can win. The FastBreak men and Entourage also moved into the semi final round and were looking at a showdown in the Final.

The last night was Finals time, With UN facing Entourage and Team 10 up against the FastBreak Men’s team. Fittingly, it was the two favourites that were able to win through to the final, both hitting the 21 point max before the end of the allotted time.

In the final, both teams came out pushing the already physical 3x3 rules to the limit. Open shots were at a premium and players were made to pay for drives to the basket. Entourage took a lead 17-15, but were now in the bonus, and the FastBreak Men began attacking the basket to draw fouls and maintain possession, which totally changed the complexion of the game. The FastBreak Men were able to close out the game without giving up another score, taking the final 21-17.

The FastBreak Men now move onto the Taiwan Challenger event in Kaohsiung City, over the 21st and 22nd of September, where they will meet and play against some of the best FIBA 3x3 teams on the pro circuit. We wish them well and are looking forward to their stories upon their return.