Highlights from first day at 3×3 FISU League Finals

Spirit high amongst athletes and fans as the first of two days of preliminary play are in the books here in Xiamen

A strong drive to the hoop rewards Lincoln University with a finger-roll lay-in

XIAMEN – With day one of the 3×3 FISU World University League finals in the books, the level of play has never been higher in the premier university 3×3 tournament.

From the crowd’s raucous reception to the gameplay to postgame interviews, the athletes and audience began and ended the day in high spirits.

“I am so glad that we finally won the game by one point because this is not an easy match,” said Huaqiao University’s Meng Xiang. “Thanks for the support from the audience and the victory of the first game we’ve played in this league. We are more confident and we’ll try our best to play in the following matches. ”

University of Regina (pictured) and McGill University are two Canadian teams likely to play late into the weekend knockout rounds

Playing on their home campus, Huaqiao University harnessed the crowd and their emotions to an hard-fought win. Tomorrow brings two more games for the team as they attempt to stay atop their pool pairings for a position within the weekend knockout rounds.

Chinese basketball icon Yao Ming was in attendance today. Trading in his high-tops first for finishing up his college degree and then as chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association, Yao spoke with FISU TV during the event, where he seemed particularly enthused about the 3×3 format. However, he noted there were more than just stylistic differences between the five-aside game. “You gotta adjust, to a new pace of game and a new set of rules.”

Makerere University from Uganda takes on New Zealand’s Lincoln University in the first day’s action in Xiamen

Pool play resumes tomorrow – here are the first day standings

Men’s results after Day 1 of the 3×3 FISU World University League – 2017 Finals

Women’s results after Day 1 of the 3×3 FISU World University League – 2017 Finals