BASKETBALL 3x3: Future Olympians got a taste of international basketball competition at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival on Thursday.

Australia's Green and Gold men's teams stayed true to form with an exceptional performance against their opponents who recognised the Australian teams as a real threat.

Against a backdrop of Sydney city skyscrapers, both men's teams did their country proud with major wins throughout the day.

Australia Green began the winning streak, defeating Guam, representing Combined Oceania, 21-3.

With 10 minutes on the clock and three players on each team, the games were intense and allowed just enough time for the players to display skills seen in the likes of elite basketballers, from all teams.

With support coming from the stands as well as from passers-by courtside, the crowds were captivated by the play, especially between Australia Green’s game against Great Britain.

Team GB certainly showed they weren't going to give up without a fight, running equal to the Aussies until the last minute when they scored a 2 pointer from what is conventionally the 3-point line, to win the game.

Meantime, despite being the first time playing together, Australia’s Gold team showed everyone what teamwork meant, taking out New Zealand with a 17-9 win in the last Australian match of the day. 

The competition continues on Friday.

Amy Watson
Olympics.com.au

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