France reign supreme on home turf at FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Marseille stop 2024

MARSEILLE (France) - France defeated Poland 12 - 10 in a marquee final to take home the stop win at the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Marseille stop 2024 on May 29 - 30. 

The Winner: France 

Top-seeded France were on a mission in Marseille as they looked to make a statement at home. 

A strong opening day saw them go 2-0 with a 14-12 win over Ukraine before following it up with a dominant 20-9 result against Gyor. It was once again a tandem effort with Marie-Eve Paget and Laetitia Guapo coming up huge on both sides of the floor while Marie Mane ran the show on offense, leading her side in scoring. They closed out pool phase with a gritty win over Italy 13 - 14. 

It was a blockbuster battle in the Semi-Final as they took on the Netherlands. A back-and-forth effort throughout, it was Paget’s relentless display coupled with Guapo’s versatile dominance that kept France in the mix. Mane came in clutch in the final moments of the game to push it to overtime where France handled business. 

The Runner-up: Poland

Poland had to fight their way to the final with both their opening day games going to Overtime. Anna Pawlowska led her side in scoring in their 19-20 loss to Portugal. 

The side bounced back in their next game against a contending Dutch side. Aldona Morawiec and Klaudia Sosnowska combined for 13 points in the result before Pawlowska called game in OT. 

They closed out group play with a deft 21-11 victory over Puerto Rico. Pawlowska was immense on offense, with an 11-point display. 

In the Semi-final, Poland got their revenge against Portugal, coming away with a 16-21 win. It was a lethal shooting showing from the Polish side with Aleksandra Ziemborska and Pawlowska combining for 15.

The Final

France 12 - 10 Poland

It was the usual team play with France as they combined for quick buckets to start, but it was Poland who took early control. A two from Sosnowska offered them a 3-6 lead. 

The French battled hard however, pulling themselves back into the final. Guapo picked up clutch buckets to pull it back to 7-7. Her defensive efforts proved to be a key factor as it kept Poland at bay. 

Trading buckets back-and-forth, it came down to the final minute where a decisive free throw followed by a quick bucket by Guapo put them ahead before Marie Mane iced the action with a lay. A thrilling 12-10 victory for the home side.  

Standings 

1. France

2. Poland

3. Netherlands

4. Portugal

5. Italy

6. Gyor

7. Ukraine 

8. Puerto Rico

What’s Next

The Women's Series action continues on June 2 - 3 in Gabala, Azerbaijan!