Spain emerge victorious in FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Orleans Stop 2023

Orleans (France) - Spain pulled off the upset, beating FIBA 3x3 World Cup Gold medalists USA 17 - 14 in the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series in Orleans on June 23 - 24. 

Besides the return of Linnae Harper, it was a different USA side from the one that took home Gold in Austria. They didn’t miss a beat though, as they swept past Azerbaijan, Sc. Yuanda and Italy. They faced France in the semi-finals, a repeat of the Gold Medal game of the 2023 World Cup. The result remained consistent as USA won 14 - 20. 

Spain on the other hand defeated Portugal, Netherlands and USA U-24 before facing the 2022 FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series winners Canada. The Spaniards took home an intense 18-21 win against the Canadians off the back of a strong offensive showing by Vega Gimeno.

Spain came out strong against USA, taking the lead early and never letting go. While it was a cagey affair for the most part with Breanna Richardson taking charge for team USA, scoring 6 points, Spain kept scoring crucial buckets. Both sides went on an offensive run near the end, trading points before Spain took advantage of USA’s defensive lapses to solidify a 16-14 lead. The shots just wouldn’t fall for the American side as Vega Gimeno scored a free throw to seal the victory for Spain over USA for the first time in seven years. 

Spanish talisman Sandra Ygueravide was named MVP for the event, inspiring her side through each game, leading the side in scoring in the finals as well with 5 points. 

FINAL STANDINGS

1. Spain
2. USA
3. Canada
4. France
5. Netherlands
6. Sc. Yuanda
7. USA U24
8. Italy
9. Neftchi
10. Gyor
11. Portugal
12. Azerbaijan

The action stays in France, with the next leg of the Women’s Series commencing in Poitiers on June 27 - 28.