Australia stands at second place in their pool behind Spain after two days of competition boasting the scalps of 2020 champion the USA and third-place getter China.

After the match at La Concorde, Anneli Maley highlighted the importance of consistency when it comes to the way the side approaches the tournament.

“It’s two big wins,” Anneli said. 

“We have to make sure we’re never too high or never too low.”

Starting with a 21-15 win over China in the morning, the Gangurrus carried their momentum into a 17-15 defeat of the USA just hours later.

In the opening match against China, Alex ‘Ally’ Wilson picked up right where she left off against Germany, splashing in four two-pointers in a starring role for the Gangurrus.

With the game evenly poised at 10-8 in Australia’s favour, Ally Wilson scored nine of the Gangurrus’ last 11 points of the game to hold off China.

“Ally stood up,” teammate Lauren Mansfield said. 

“She was incredible, shooting the twos and attacking the bucket.”

China’s 3x3 women’s basketball team is one of the tallest teams in the competition with Mingling Chen standing 1.92cm (6ft 4). This is a stark contrast to the Aussies, who don’t have a player over 1.83 (6ft). 

But what the Australians gave up in height, they made up for in speed and physicality.

“We fought really well against their size, and I think we made up for that by attacking the basket.”

That got Australia off to a strong 5-2 start, with sharp passing and cuts to the basket creating easy points.

At 8-8, Australia regained the lead for good when Lauren found Anneli Maley for a layup, using the rim to protect her attempt from the shot blocker Mingling Chen.

Ally found her way to the same spot on the court, where she defeated Germany and made the team's first two-pointer, giving the Gangurrus a 12-8 lead five and a half minutes in.

China continued to stay within striking distance on the scoreboard, but their one-point makes and lone two-pointer were no match for Ally’s outside shooting.

The USA got their serve of Ally’s outside shooting as she made two quick ones from deep to start the match, which had US basketball superstar Kevin Durant watching from the sidelines.

Anneli and Lauren played supporting roles with active hands on defence, picking off passes and swiping the ball away.

“Lauren really stepped up today,” Anneli said. “She was awesome.”

Marena Whittle joined the outside shooting, with her buck putting Australia up 10-7.

The USA were playing like a team under pressure, as the defending Olympic champions had lost their opening two games prior to meeting Australia. With two minutes to play Australia held a slight 14-12 lead and Anneli drew an offensive foul on the much taller and physically imposing Dearica Hamby.

Marena’s layup, assisted by Anneli, with 37 seconds left put Australia up 16-14.

“We found a way to win,” Anneli said. 

“We played with so much heart and that’s what will get us over the line if we continue to do that.”

The Gangurrus are now sporting a 3-1 record in the tournament, and will play two matches on Friday 2 August against Azerbaijan and Spain.

Jeff Dickinson-Fox