United States go perfect, Yua Emura catches fire for Japan on Day 4 of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023

VIENNA (Austria) - United States (men) take care of business to go undefeated in pool play while Yua Emura makes history for Japan on Day 4 of the Vienna FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023 on June 2.

THE TEAMS

The United States men’s team did not have it easy in their final two games of Group B, facing a physical Slovenia and hometown side Austria. It was all business for the Americans though as they showcased just how versatile they can be.  

With Slovenia’s Jure Ličen causing problems in the paint in the opener, they fought back with fire. Dylan Travis and Kareem Maddox played through contact and got to the rack as well. Maddox finished the game at the free throw line, a stuffy 14 - 21 win. 

The American side wasn’t done, shutting out the roaring Rathausplatz on the side of their home side Austria. Jimmer-Mania returned in style as his fiery shooting performance took him to 13 points in the game and a 16 - 21 victory for his side. The 4-0 display granted USA the top spot while Austria and Latvia took the play-in positions.

In Group D on the men’s side, Netherlands and Japan went perfect on the night in style, allowing the Dutch side to clinch the top spot while Japan went ballistic to rally back from a woeful Day 1 showing to clinch a play-in spot along with Switzerland. 

On the women’s side, it was Japan that won over fans, especially the 20-year-old Yua Emura who caught fire in game 1 to lead her side to a 21 - 11 win against Poland. Their last game was against a desperate and flashy Egypt side who needed the win to stay in the running. A much closer game this time round, Emura and Shizuka Takada took on the offensive responsibility as they did just enough to pick up an impressive 18 - 21 victory. They will make their way to the play-in with Germany while the Australian side assumes the top spot.

China (women) continued on their hot streak, seemingly unshakable since the start of the Women’s Series. Ji Yuan Wan was rolling and taking over the paint in the first game against Romania, scoring 9 points in a dominant 21 - 7 win.

 It was the Lili Wang show in their final group game. Taking on an on-fire Italy side, Wang was all over the court, scoring 10 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and dropping some dimes as they won 18 - 21 to seal the top spot while Israel and Italy made the play-ins.

THE PLAYERS

It was another Worthy night for Netherlands as Worthy De Jong ran the show in both their wins against Switzerland and Hungary, combining for a total of 20 points. It’s not just about the number, it is arguably the most entertaining and smooth 20 points you’ll ever see being scored. When Worthy takes to the court, keep your eyes glued.

Japan clutched up big, needing to go perfect on the day to make it to the play-ins. When the moment called for it, Thomas Early Kennedy answered. Scoring a combined 21 points over both games against Hungary and Mongolia, his performance in the closer was scorching hot. Kennedy rattled off 5 twos, 4 of them to start the game off. You cannot leave the Japanese sensation open, not for a second.

The player of the night however, is none other than Yua Emura. Her first game against Poland was historic, scoring an insane 18 points to lead her team to the win. When you look up automatic in the dictionary, you’ll see Emura lighting it up in Vienna. 

When you get MVP chants in a different continent, you know you’re special.

PLAY-IN

Men's side

Lithuania vs Austria in QF vs Serbia

Latvia vs Belgium in QF vs Netherlands

Brazil vs Japan in QF vs Poland

Switzerland vs France in QF vs United States

Women's side

United States vs Japan in QF vs Austria

Germany vs Czech Republic in QF vs China

France vs Italy in QF vs Canada

Israel vs Spain in QF vs Australia

Day 5

The group stages are over, it is now time for the play-ins. No room for error, every game, every moment matters. It’s the home stretch, all or nothing, tune in tomorrow.