Cocks wins MVP title
TOWNSVILLE Fire’s Micaela Cocks starred in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup when she was named the women’s tournament MVP after she guided New Zealand to gold.
New Zealand beat China 14- 11 in front of a home crowd in Shenzhen during a tight, defensive game on Tuesday where no players scored more than five points.
The Kiwis progressed to the final after overcoming Australia in another nail biting semi- final which was forced into overtime.
Cocks played a crucial role in the 20- 18 win over Australia, scoring the final two- pointer. Cocks scored 23 points overall in the tournament, clearly deserved of her MVP honours.
Australia’s women lost their title but returned home with bronze after they beat Japan 17- 5.
It was a different story for Australia’s men who had a perfect 10- 0 winning run and ended up FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup champions. Last year’s bronze medallists faced defending champions Mongolia in the final.
Australia were the first to score and held the lead for the majority of the game but a late charge by Mongolia tied up the scores 15- all.
Men’s MVP winner Thomas Garlepp clinched the 17- 16 win for Australia in extra- time. He scored a game- high 10 points in the final.
Garlepp topped all the scorers at the tournament, scoring 41 points in five games over April 29- May 1.
Another firing Aussie, Rebecca Cole finished second highest in the scoring charts with 39 points in the women’s tournament.
Cocks will return to Townsville and put on a Flames jersey.
Townsville Flames will play their QBL season opener against the Mackay Meteorettes tomorrow at Townsville Stadium. Tip- off is at 6.30pm followed by Townsville Heat versus Mackay Meteors at 8.30pm.