DEBRECEN, Hungary (September 3, 2023) – The 2023 USA 3x3 U18 National Team won the gold medal by defeating France 22-16 at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup Final on Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary. The American women have captured the 3x3 U18 World Cup title five consecutive times.
The Final was a rematch from pool play a few days earlier where the U.S. defeated France, 21-12.
Katie Fiso scored the first point of the game on a driving layup but France scored the next five points for an early 5-1 advantage. The USA rallied to tie the game 8-8 at the 5:42 mark via tough defense from Sahara Williams and the inside scoring of Sarah Strong. However, France went on a 5-1 run in a minute of game time to hold a four-point lead, 13-9.
Mikaylah Williams had an answer and made back-to-back 2-pointers to tie the game once again. Moments later, she hit another 2-pointer to extend the USA’s 8-0 run. The USA’s largest lead came 19-14 and although France had some late buckets, the U.S. closed the game on a Strong 2-pointer from the corner with 1:13 left on the clock.
Strong led all scorers with nine points while Mikaylah Williams was right behind with eight. Sahara Williams finished with three points and Fiso’s two complete the USA’s 22 points.
For her efforts throughout the competition, Mikaylah Williams was named MVP of the tournament. She also earned MVP accolades in 2022 and 2021.
To reach the Final, the Americans won a semifinal thriller over Japan (21-20) and a quarterfinal matchup against Mongolia (21-16).
The USA trailed late against Japan. With three minutes remaining, Japan knocked down a pair of free throws to take a 17-14 lead. Fortunately for the red, white and blue, Strong came up clutch down the stretch. Scoring at every level, she accounted for six of the final seven points for the USA including the game-winning 2-pointer with 11 seconds left. She had 10 points in the game.
Mikaylah Williams led the way against Mongolia. She scored 12 points in the contest, including two 2-pointers. The U.S. trailed the Mongolians 13-11 midway through the game but the Americans would close the game on a 10-3 run.
Including today’s title, the U.S. women have won the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup seven times (2023, 2022, 2021, 2019, 2017, 2013, 2012).
Full results from the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup are here.