DEBRECEN, Hungary (September 1, 2023) – The journey for a fifth-straight gold medal continues for the United States as the 2023 USA 3x3 U18 National Team finished atop Pool B at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup on Friday. The U.S. joins seven other nations who will play for the gold medal on Sunday.
The Americans entered the day with a 2-0 record in pool play after defeating Brazil and Germany on Thursday.
The afternoon tipped with a competitive matchup against host country, Hungary. The USA found success scoring at the rim by tallying 15 1-pointers in the game. The Hungarians battled throughout by hitting timely 2-pointers and converting at the free-throw line. However, the dynamic scoring from Mikaylah Williams (11 points) and Sarah Strong (five) was too much and the U.S. won, 21-16.
The final game of pool play had significant stakes as the winner between the USA and France would claim the top spot in Pool B.
With seeding on the line, the U.S. played with poise to build a three-point lead just two minutes into the game, 6-3. Even with foul trouble plaguing the Americans, the French were unable to cut the lead to less than three points. Leading 11-8, the U.S. used the inside scoring ability from Strong and Sahara Williams to go on a 5-1 run to take total control of the game. A Katie Fiso bucket sealed the game 21-12 with 2:31 on the clock for the red, white and blue.
Winners of Pool B, the USA will take on Mongolia, who finished second in Pool D with a 3-1 record, in the quarterfinals of bracket play on Sunday, Sept. 3., at 10:10 a.m. ET.
A champion will be crowned on Sunday with the semifinals tipping at 1:50 p.m. ET and the final at 2:50 p.m. ET. The 2023 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup can be streamed here.
Different than 5-on-5, 3x3 is played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and 12-second shot clock. Play is continuous, as teams “clear” the ball behind the 2-point line following a made basket, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-point field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins.