Jesse Wagstaff's unique path to back-to-back Commonwealth Games gold is nearing completion after Australia muscled past Scotland in the 3x3 basketball semi-finals.

A member of the Boomers' traditional 5-a-side team that dominated on the Gold Coast four years ago, the six-time NBL champion with Perth is now poised for a rare basketball feat in the modified game's event debut.

The Wildcats veteran scored nine points in Australia's 20-15 win over the Scots on Monday night, which followed a similarly tense defeat of Kenya by the same score earlier in the day.

Kyle Jimenez scored 11 points for Scotland, who led 4-1 but were slowly worn down by Wagstaff, Daniel Johnson, Tom Wright and Greg Hire.

They'll play England, who beat them in the group stage, for gold on Tuesday.

Debuting at last year's Tokyo Olympics, 3x3 asks teams to play for 10 minutes or until a team scores 21 points with regular three-point shots worth two and all other baskets just one.

Wright was pursuing other career avenues when he discovered his all-round skills complemented the condensed format.

He has spent the last few years on the world circuit while also continuing to play in the second-tier NBL1.

"I cannot wait; I've been dreaming of this moment for three years, since I found out that 3x3 was going to be in the Commonwealth Games," the 33-year-old said.

"This is it - one more sleep.

"It's a hell of a sport, so fast-paced and fun. You get to travel and go to war with a couple of close mates.

"I had played 5v5 my whole life for 20 years, and then this came around. It gave me a new lease of life and re-ignited my passion for basketball."

Australia's women fell in their efforts to join them, beaten 21-15 in a fiery, physical battle with hosts England and will meet New Zealand in a battle for bronze.