Singapore Women Shock Brazil in Overtime Thriller, Move One Step Closer to FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026

In front of an electrified home crowd at OCBC Square, the Singapore women's national 3x3 basketball team produced a resilient comeback performance, overturning a six-point deficit before sealing a memorable victory in overtime.

PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / JOHN YEONG

SINGAPORE, 12 April 2026 - Singapore’s women’s 3x3 basketball team delivered one of the most dramatic results of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2026, stunning Brazil women's national 3x3 basketball team 15–13 in overtime to keep their hopes of qualifying for the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 alive.

In front of an electrified home crowd at OCBC Square, the Singapore women's national 3x3 basketball team produced a resilient comeback performance, overturning a six-point deficit before sealing a memorable victory in overtime.

The win pushes Singapore into Round 2 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2026, leaving the hosts just one step away from a historic place at the global tournament.

Singapore’s Dramatic Comeback Against Brazil

The do-or-die clash in Women’s Pool B initially looked to be slipping away from the hosts. Brazil raced into an early lead, surging to 9–3 midway through the contest and appearing firmly in control.

However, Singapore responded with grit and composure. Through aggressive defense and timely scoring, the team slowly chipped away at the deficit, energising the home crowd as momentum began to shift.

Their persistence paid off late in the game as Singapore clawed back to level the score at 13–13, forcing overtime in one of the most thrilling games of the tournament so far.

PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / JOHN YEONG

Han XingYue’s Clutch Shot Seals Historic Win

With everything on the line in overtime, it was Han XingYue who delivered the decisive moment.

The Singapore guard drained a clutch two-pointer to secure a 15–13 victory, sparking jubilant celebrations at OCBC Square and keeping the nation’s FIBA 3x3 World Cup dream alive.

Han reflected on the team’s resilience after the game:

“This win means a lot. We played a good first game but not good enough to beat the Philippines. For our game against Brazil, we trusted the game plan and went for every bounce. I’m very proud of my teammates — no one gave up. Even though we were losing, we trusted each other and kept fighting.”

PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / JOHN YEONG

Singapore Showing Character Under Pressure

Head coach Lazar Rasic praised the team’s fighting spirit, acknowledging the nerves that came with competing on such an important stage.

“We have some problems with opening the game, and we are working on that,” Rasic said. “It’s probably a little bit of nervousness because of the importance of the competition. But I’m happy because we are showing the character that we are not giving up until the very end of the game. This is a big win for us.”

The victory highlights the growing competitiveness of Singapore’s 3x3 basketball programme and underscores the team’s ability to perform under pressure on the international stage.

Hungary and Italy Dominate Opening Day

While Singapore grabbed headlines with their upset victory, other teams also impressed on Day 1 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifier 2026.

In the women’s competition, Hungary women's national 3x3 basketball team topped Pool A with a perfect 2–0 record. Star performer Vivi Böröndy led the charge with 10 points in a 21–18 win over Egypt before adding eight more in a tense 16–15 overtime victory against Lithuania.

Lithuania also progressed after edging Egypt 19–18 in another dramatic overtime clash.

On the men’s side, Italy men's national 3x3 basketball team dominated Pool B, defeating New Zealand men's national 3x3 basketball team 17–12 before securing a 21–19 victory over Egypt. Flavio Gay led Italy’s offensive effort, while New Zealand advanced after a narrow 16–15 win against Egypt.

New Zealand’s Aidan Tonge, fresh off winning the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, admitted the packed international schedule had taken its toll on the team.

One Step Away From the FIBA 3x3 World Cup

For Singapore, the dramatic win over Brazil represents more than just a single game victory — it marks a significant moment in the nation’s basketball journey.

With the hosts now advancing to Round 2, the Singapore women’s 3x3 team is just one win away from securing a coveted berth at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026.

If they maintain the same resilience and composure shown against Brazil, Singapore could soon celebrate one of the biggest achievements in the history of its basketball programme — qualification for the sport’s premier global 3x3 tournament. #FIBA3x3WCQ #Basketball3x3