DEBRECEN (Hungary) – USA men and women get wins over Spain and Japan respectively to win the FIBA 3×3 U18 World Cup 2024 on August 30.
USA (men) came out on top to win their third U18 World Cup tournament, catching fire in their opener and never letting up.
They booked their spot in the final with a 6-0 record. They faced Spain, a team they’d narrowly defeated in pool phase. The American side started with a bang and held on to their advantage. Kingston Flemings, who made the clutch shot in the semis to send them to the final, tipped off the offense against Spain as he finished with 7. Nikolas Khamenia led the side with 9 points as USA picked up a 21-17 victory over the Spanish side.
In the women’s side, USA showcased their pedigree in the competition as they lifted the trophy for a record 8th time, 6 consecutive in just 11 years.
They battled adversity and went unbeaten on their way to the final, where they faced an equally on-fire Japan side. Both teams traded huge buckets all the way until the end in a game that saw momentum swing back-and-forth. It was Jasmine Davidson who capped off an incredible tournament with a clutch two to hand USA a 21 – 19 win in a blockbuster matchup.
In the bronze medal games, it was China (women) that came away with a 21-17 win against Germany. Team’s leading scorer Jiaxin Wang put on a masterclass with a 13-point display to clinch bronze.
France (men) took home bronze as well off the back of another stellar showing from their offensive duo in Maxime Carrio and Zakaria Mechergui who combined for 16 points in a 21-12 victory over Ukraine.
Nikolas Khamenia was on a mission from the start for USA as he finished the event with a whopping 61-point total. His offensive firepower earned him MVP honors. He would lead the men’s team of the tournament along with Spain’s Alexandre Carrasco who led the way for Spain to earn silver and Zakaria Mechergui who was the offensive hub for France on their way to bronze.
Sarah Strong was unguardable yet again in her third World Cup win for USA (women). She put up 48 points throughout the tournament, including 6 in the thrilling final against Japan. Her paint presence on both ends of the floor earned her MVP plaudits. She would headline the women’s team of the tournament alongside Japan’s Kanon Suzuki who was the offensive spark for Japan on their way to silver and Jiaxin Wang who led China to a coveted bronze.
Source: EHF
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.
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