Defending champions Australia and Iran star on day four as Quarter-Finals set for FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024

SINGAPORE - Defending champions Australia (women's) and Iran (men's) wrapped up the pool phase in style on Day Four ahead of a mouth-watering knockout stage at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024. 

Australia started their title defence strongly with a pair of convincing wins and were joined in the Quarter-Finals by Japan, New Zealand and Thailand. 

Australia will play Thailand in the last eight, while Japan and New Zealand do battle. 

In the men's draw, Iran continued to impress and made it through along with former champions Australia, No.1 seed China and Japan, who knocked out the Philippines. 

Iran will square off against Japan, while Australia and China meet in a clash of powerhouses. 

Day four concluded pool play of Asia's biggest 3x3 event played at the famous Singapore Sports Hub OCBC Square. 

THE TEAMS

In a rematch of last year's gold medal women's game, Australia again crushed rival New Zealand with a 22-9 victory.

New Zealand are seen as Australia's biggest threat to repeat as champions, but the 'Gangurrus' appear unstoppable, and they lived up to the hype with an almost flawless display. 

They seamlessly left off from last year's irresistible campaign when no team scored more than 11 points against them. 

Australia tuned up for the quarters with a 21-7 victory over India, who played without a sub.  

China entered as favourite to top Pool A in the men's draw, but Iran were confident after an unbeaten run during qualification.

China threatened to take control on several occasions, but Iran's defence held firm and the momentum changed when Ehsan Dalirzahan banked a tough shot in traffic while drawing the foul. 

Majid Rahimian sealed the upset after a brilliant crossover to cap a 15-13 win.

Iran then overcame a passionate home crowd to submit a powerful performance and down Singapore with a commanding 21-12 victory. Dalirzahan had a game-high 9 points, while Mohammadmahdi Rahimi dominated the paint with 8 rebounds. 

THE PLAYERS

We're getting used to Will Hickey having the dunk of the day. His latest was a thunderous two-handed slam in Australia's 20-13 win over Japan to again prove that he has hops like a kangaroo. 

In a high-quality contest against a formidable Japan team, Hickey was the standout player after registering a triple-five of 7 points, 7 rebounds and 6 highlights. 

Hickey added another dunk against the Philippines, but sharpshooting teammate Todd Blanchfield took over with hot shooting to finish with 13 points in Australia's 21-13 victory. 

THE DIME

Japan (women's) were unbeaten on day four, but they had to do it the hard way with tense victories over Iran and Thailand. Their OT win over Thailand in the night session ensured they avoided Australia in the quarters. 

Japan were ignited by Riko Furuki, who produced the dime of the day with a filthy no look pass over her head. 

Day 5

The Asia Cup heats up on the fifth and Final Day with the knockout stages.

Men's Quarter-Finals

Iran v Japan New Zealand v ThailandMongolia v QatarAustralia v China 

Women's Quarter-Finals

China v MongoliaAustralia v ThailandJapan v New ZealandPhilippines v Chinese Taipei 

Watch Day 5 of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024 on our YouTube channel.

FIBA