Micaela Cocks named Asia Cup MVP

Micaela Cocks has put the finishing touches on a stunning campaign at the FIBA 3 x 3 Asia Cup by being named the tournament MVP after leading New Zealand to victory.

A three-time championship winner with the Fire, Cocks was simply brilliant in China as she guided the Kiwis to a 14-11 victory over the hosts in the gold medal decider.

Earlier in the day, Cocks broke Australia’s heart as she hit the game winner in overtime after they made a miraculous comeback.

Down and seemingly out in the semi-final, Fire championship winner Chevannah Paalvast buried a deep two to cut the margin to three before Melbourne forward Kalani Purcell followed suit.

A lay-up from Paalvast levelled the scores in the shadows of full-time before Cocks had a pull-up jumper to win the game in regular time which rimmed out.

Forced into overtime, Cocks ended Australia’s title defence as she was left alone beyond the arc and stroked the game winner.

https://twitter.com/FIBA3x3/status/991482409479745536

“It was such an exciting game to play and we are all so thankful that we got the opportunity to play 3×3 for the first time,” Cocks said after making her 3 x 3 debut at the tournament.

“I am so proud of our team and we showed the NZ way of never giving up, especially in the semi-final against Australia.

“It was the definition of NZ basketball, grit, never give up, hustle for everything – it’s what we’ve been taught and what we live by.”

Cocks will return to North Queensland this week to link up with the Townsville Flames ahead of their QBL opener against Mackay on Friday night.