Asian champs Australia made an ominous statement ahead of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup after taking out the title at the Ulaanbaatar Stop.
Here's what happened at the sixth Stop on June 18-19.
The winner: Australia
There was more riding on this WS Stop than usual with this year's biggest event just days away on the same half-court. Australia are hoping to go even deeper than their bronze medal winning effort at World Cup 2023.
They will enter the World Cup full of confidence and one of the fancies after claiming their first WS title of the season. It wasn't smooth sailing with Australia losing to USA on Day One, but they shrugged off that disappointment with an impressive dub against top seed Canada in the quarters before overcoming Ukraine in the semis.
Superstar Marena Whittle was the star in those knockout games before her partner-in-crime Anneli Maley took over in a thrilling final, where the Gangurrus emerged triumphant against USA in a result that would have turned heads ahead of the World Cup.
The Final: Australia 20-USA 19
There was much anticipation for these powerhouses, but USA started as favorite after their Day One victory over the Aussies.
It was a high quality opening as the teams traded buckets in a red-hot start. But the Americans put the pressure on the scoreboard thanks to unconscious shooting from long range.
The Gangurrus decided to go down low and Maley repaid the faith to keep them in touch.
The Aussies could not close the gap as the USA continued to shoot the lights out, while Williams also showcased her brute strength with a tough bucket against the smothering defense of Whittle.
Australia slowly chipped away with Miela Sowah catching fire and an Alex Wilson layup suddenly put them in front and on the brink at 19-18.
Williams produced a spectacular crossover and layup to tie the scores before Maley grabbed a huge offensive rebound and putback in what proved the winning bucket. It was a fitting finish with Maley walking off with the MVP after a brilliant all-round display.
Final Standings:
1. Australia
2. USA
3. Ukraine
4. Germany
5. Canada
