The past few days the Dutch men and women U23 played three stops of the 3×3 Nations League. In Vilnius, Lithuania our national teams did not do badly. Especially the women proved once again that the Netherlands is one of the best 3×3 countries in the world.
.500 on Day 1
The first day started ‘okay’ for our men and women. The men narrowly lost to eventual winner Ukraine (13-10) and were therefore not allowed to play the final, despite winning against Romania (21-10). Stef Poels and Jacopo Bertotti were very much on a roll in that last pot with 9 and 8 points.
The women did reach the final, after winning against Ireland (16-10) and Romania (21-11). In that final, the women came close to the day’s victory, but Ukraine won the nail-biter in overtime: 18-17.
Dominant Day 2
Day two saw an ‘All Orange’ podium as both the men and women won the second stop of the Nations League. The men defeated Ireland, Romania and Ukraine on their way to the day title. Against Ukraine (20-16) Jacopo Bertotti managed to score 10 points (3 twos).
The women convincingly defeated Lithuania and Ukraine. Chermensa Van la Parra became top scorer in the final with 8. Alissa van der Plas (3 pts), Kimberly Brago and Floor Toonders (both 5 pts) also had important buckets for Oranje.
High in the standings
By noting another good stop on day three (loss in the final for the men, another win for the women) the Netherlands is doing very well in the intermediate standings. The men are in joint first place with Lithuania and Ukraine. The women are leading the ranking, with some distance behind Ukraine and already a considerable lead over the rest of the field.
After six stops, the best teams per conference automatically qualify for the World Championship in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from September 11 to 15. The Dutch women do not have to feel any pressure: as defending champions, they are automatically qualified for the 2024 edition.
(Image: FIBA3x3.basketball)
