London 3x3 dominate in first outing in Brasilia

London controlled the game from start to finish against Uberlandia in their opening Pool C matchup.

The opening exchanges were cagey, with both sides taking time to feel their way into the contest. However, London quickly set the tone offensively as Ashley Hamilton picked out a cutting Veron Eze with a pinpoint pass, allowing Eze to finish with a reverse layup at the rim. Evan Walshe soon followed suit, using a series of fakes and pivots to create space among the taller defenders before getting his shot to drop.

Toto Fagbenle announced himself in style on his London 3x3 debut. After Uberlandia had thrown down an early dunk of their own, Fagbenle answered emphatically, flushing the ball home for a first London bucket to remember. It was the first of three dunks for him in the game as his physicality and athleticism were on full display throughout.

London soon began to take full control. Hamilton knocked down back to back efforts from beyond the arc to push the British side into a commanding 10 to 2 lead. Felipe De Aquino worked hard to keep Uberlandia’s tally moving, but London always had an answer. Walshe was at the heart of much of their best work, finishing with a game high 9 points, including a perfect 5 from 5 from the free throw line, as Uberlandia struggled to contain his crafty interior game.

It was a complete performance from London, with every player contributing on the scoreboard. They took the lead early and never looked like letting it slip. Fittingly, it was Walshe who sealed the win, knocking down a two pointer to take London to 21 and end any hopes of an Uberlandia comeback.

The 21 to 12 victory marked an impressive opening statement from London 3x3, who would go on to face Lausanne in their final Pool C matchup, knowing that a win would guarantee progression to Thursday’s knockout stages.