FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2023 silver medalist and hometown side France beat Lithuania 21-20 to win the Clermont-Ferrand Stop of the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series on June 10.
The finals took place between two sides that remained unbeaten, France and Lithuania, both equally physical and capable of scoring on all levels. Kamile Nacickaite had been on-fire offensively throughout, continuing her run in the finals as she put up 13 points for Lithuania. However, the shotmaking from Marie Mané and MVP Laetitia Guapo proved to be the difference-maker as they combined for 17 points to lead hometown side France to the win.
Lithuania never gave up, however. Each time when it felt like France had cemented the result, their opposition would battle back. With the game tied, it was Hortense Limouzin that sealed the deal, outpacing everyone to lay the ball in.
The event showed the lingering effects of the World Cup last week, especially on China who won the first two legs of the Women’s Series this year. Despite an early win against Switzerland, the women from China went winless for the rest of the competition. The Spanish side led by Marta Canella proved to be stellar as well, gaining huge wins over China and Sc. Yuanda before ultimately losing to winners France in a semi-final OT thriller.
Final standings
1. France
2. Lithuania
3. Spain
4. France U24
5. China
6. Sc. Yuanda
7. Switzerland
8. Turkey
The Women’s Series makes its way back to Azerbaijan as the action gets underway in Shusha on June 12-13.
Shuaeeb Is a seasoned sportswriter, social worker, and philanthropist. He has been renowned for his support of disabled sports persons and championing for equal rights and opportunities for all sports persons. He is also a father of 4 children and married to His partner Moana who is of Australian descent. He currently does sports volunteering and disability support work aside from writing for this August media.
