Italy emerge victorious at FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Gabala stop 2024

GABALA (Azerbaijan) - Italy show out in Azerbaijan, defeating Barcelona Panthers 12 - 15 in the final to win the FIBA 3x3 Gabala stop 2024 on June 2 - 3. 

The winner: Italy

It was a strong start to the tournament for the Italians as they won 20-11 against Romania. Maria Miccoli and Laura Spreafico combined for 15 while Stephanie Trimboli proved to be pivotal with 9 rebounds. 

It set the tone for the side as they picked up a 16-14 victory over a contending Poland, a gritty team effort making the difference. They did end their pool phase on a sour note with a loss to an on-fire Ari Geli and Barcelona Panthers. 

Italy put that aside in the knockout phase though as they took care of business against Warsaw LOTTO. Miccoli put up an immense 8-point, 7-rebound statline in the 17-15 result. 

It was a battle in their rematch against Poland in the Semi-Final where they came away with a 13-12 win in OT, booking their place in the final. 

The runner-up: Barcelona Panthers 

The commercial side from Spain started off rough, picking up a 21-14 loss to Poland in the opener. 

They found their rhythm soon enough as they rebounded with a 21-15 win over Romania. Sarah Sagerer had a 7-point, 9-rebound game while Renzhu Li and Sigrid Koizar combined to add 14. 

Ari Geli found her form for the team in a huge clash against Italy, going off for 10 points with 5 2-pointers to clutch up a 21 - 14 victory. 

They team took off from there in the knockout phase, decimating top-seeded Azerbaijan 21-8 after another incredible outside shooting performaned from Geli leading the way. 

It was yet another dominant win against Portugal, a collective display leading the team to a finals appearance. 

THE FINAL

Barcelona Panthers 12 - 15 Italy

It was a close battle to start the game, both teams trading buckets. Sigrid Koizar and Sarah Sagerer held on to the scoring reins as the game found itself tied up 5-5.

Italy seized control from there, with Chiara Consolini making huge plays along with Maria Miccoli to extend their advantage. They never relented their control over the game with the two combining for 11 points. A final result of 15-12 to the Italians was the end as they pick up an early stop win in the season. 

STANDINGS

1. Italy 

2. Barcelona Panthers (ESP)

3. Portugal

4. Poland

5. Warsaw LOTTO (POL)

6. Azerbaijan

7. Romania 

8. Baku Flames (AZE)

WHAT'S NEXT

The W action makes its way over to Mongolia next  on June 6 - 7 as the Ulaanbaatar stop goes down!