The Algerian U23 men’s national 3×3 basketball team defeated Venezuela (21-20) on the opening day of the World Cup, held in Xiong’an, China (September 17–21).
Drawn into Group C, Algeria later lost to Argentina (21-16). Coach Merouan Bouachir’s squad will continue on Friday against Italy (8:15 a.m. GMT) and Mongolia (12:50 p.m.).
At the end of the first day, Algeria ranks 3rd with 37 points. Argentina leads the group with 42 points, followed by Mongolia (39 pts). Italy sits 4th with 37 points, while Venezuela trails with 27 points.
Meanwhile, the Algerian women’s team lost its two opening matches against Poland (21-4) and Germany (21-7). Also drawn into Group C in Xiong’an, they will face Venezuela on Friday (10:30 a.m. Algerian time) before finishing the group stage against France (1:25 p.m.).
The Algerian teams qualified for the U23 World Cup after competing in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League tournament, held last August in Algiers.
This year’s World Cup features participation from host nation China, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Italy, Spain, Japan, Mongolia, Venezuela, Argentina, New Zealand, and Fiji.
