Top seed Azerbaijan out to continue momentum at FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Gabala Stop 2024

GABALA (Azerbaijan) - After stunningly clinching a Paris Olympic ticket, a confident Azerbaijan will be looking to continue their winning ways at the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Gabala Stop 2024 on June 2-3. 

Let's take a closer look at the third Women's Series event of the season.

The Favorites

Azerbaijan, a nation of 10 million which gained independence in 1991, have become a feel good story in 3x3. Their fairy-tale continued after clinching an Olympic ticket at the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament 1  in Hong Kong. 

The top seed will have three members from that incredible achievement, who return home as heroes.  Alexandra Mollenhauer hit big buckets in Hong Kong and she will again showcase her clutch gene in front of the home fans.

Azerbaijan will be tested in a Pool A blockbuster by Portugal, who impressed at the Marseille Stop in a semi-final finish. Star Joana Soeiro put up big numbers in Marseille to go along with her awesome dance moves and she again looms as a fan favorite in Gabala. 

No.2 seed Poland agonizingly fell short of an Olympic ticket after losing to Azerbaijan in Hong Kong. But they have not let that disappointment keep them down with the Poles finishing runner-up in Marseille. 

Anna Pawłowska was on fire in Marseille and you just know she won't be cooling down any time soon. 

Italy just have to be rated among the contenders and they are coming off a quarter-final finish in Marseille, where they were edged by Portugal. The Italians will get a chance at revenge as the teams square off in Pool B. 

The Field 

Romania have been raring to go and the always competitive team are sure to challenge Pool B favorites Poland and Italy. Teodora Manea will be leading their charge with the 24-year-old ice cool in the clutch. 

Romania will need to get through Barcelona Panthers (ESP), who are looking to make their mark on the Women's Series as they unleash exciting 21-year-old Ariadna Geli. 

Warsaw Lotto (POL) and Baku Flames (AZE) will be showing off the impressive depth of talent from Poland and Azerbaijan respectively as these up and coming teams eye giant-killing runs.  

Pools

Pool A: Azerbaijan, Portugal, Warsaw LOTTO (ESP), Baku Flames (AZE)
Pool B: Poland, Italy, Romania, Barcelona Panthers (ESP)

How to watch

The two-day extravaganza is on June 2-3 and you can follow it live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube profile 

FIBA