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Singapore Women’s Team Makes History at FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026 with First-Ever Quarter-Final Berth
- SportPlus News
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Singapore bounces back from Japan defeat to secure milestone Asia Cup quarter-final spot
SINGAPORE, 4 April 2026 - Singapore’s women’s basketball team has achieved a historic milestone at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026, advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time since the tournament began in Singapore.
The breakthrough moment electrified fans at OCBC Square, where the host nation delivered a determined performance in front of a passionate home crowd.
After a challenging start to the tournament, Singapore bounced back with resilience, demonstrating the growing strength of the nation’s 3x3 basketball programme.
Singapore Women Secure Historic Quarter-Final Spot
Singapore’s women’s team opened their campaign with a tough 11–21 loss to regional powerhouse Japan. However, the team regrouped quickly and delivered a crucial 19–16 victory over Chinese Taipei in their final pool game, sealing a historic spot in the quarter-finals of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup.
The decisive win sparked celebrations among local supporters, marking a significant step forward for Singapore’s women’s basketball on the international stage.
Singapore guard Jermaine Lim credited the home crowd for lifting the team during the intense matchup.
“Every time we score, we hear voices that are louder than ours, so we know that people really have our backs,” said Lim. “It really encourages us and hypes us to push even harder, even though we were really very tired.”
Singapore will now face tournament favourites China in the first women’s quarter-final on Sunday at 1:30pm.
Coach Praises Singapore’s Fighting Spirit
Singapore’s national head coach Lazar Rasic praised the team’s determination and heart following the crucial win.
“I’m so pleased with our game against Chinese Taipei. Finally, after so many editions of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in Singapore, our players and our fans deserve a match like this where they give everything they have,” he said.
“I’m proud that we played with heart and fought for the win for Singapore.”
The victory represents a major breakthrough for the host nation, which has been steadily developing its 3x3 basketball ecosystem in recent years.
Malaysia Stuns China in Men’s Tournament Upset
The men’s competition at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026 delivered one of the tournament’s biggest surprises when Malaysia defeated China 21–19 in a dramatic opener.
Malaysia sealed the upset with a clutch two-pointer in the final 30 seconds, thrilling the crowd with their speed and fearless attacking play.
Despite the early setback, China recovered strongly later in the day, defeating Australia 21–15 thanks to a standout performance from Liu Qianhao, who scored 13 points including five long-range two-pointers.
The victory marked China’s first-ever win over Australia in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup men’s competition and secured top spot in Pool B.
New Zealand Dominates Men’s Pool D
New Zealand emerged as one of the most impressive teams on Day 3, finishing undefeated in Pool D.
Leading the charge was Te Tuhi Lewis, who scored 20 points across two games as New Zealand defeated India (16–11) and Qatar (21–11).
The Kiwis will now face Oceania rivals Australia in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash.
Japan and China Women Advance in Strong Form
In the women’s tournament, Japan topped their pool with two convincing victories. They first defeated Singapore 21–11 before holding off Chinese Taipei 14–11 in a tightly contested matchup.
China’s women also delivered a commanding performance, defeating Thailand 16–13 before cruising past Kazakhstan 21–14.
Tournament debutant A Ganajing expressed pride in representing her country alongside experienced teammates, many of whom are Olympians.
Quarter-Final Matchups Set
As the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026 heads into the knockout stage, fans can look forward to several high-stakes quarter-final matchups:
Men’s Quarter-Finals
New Zealand vs Australia
China vs Qatar
Women’s Quarter-Finals
China vs Singapore
Japan vs Thailand
With Singapore’s women making history and several regional powerhouses battling for the title, the tournament is building toward an exciting finish.
How to Watch the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2026 in Singapore
The Main Draw continues at OCBC Square with the first session of play starting at 3pm.
Fans can experience the action live, with ticket prices starting from $5 (excluding booking fees). Children under four years old enjoy free entry, provided they do not occupy a seat.
With Singapore’s women’s team chasing another historic victory, the home crowd is expected to deliver another electric atmosphere. #FIBA3x3AsiaCup #Basketball
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