LUBLIN, Poland (Oct. 1, 2023) – The USA won the 2023 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup title after dominating Israel 21-3 in the final on Sunday night in Lublin, Poland. The win marks the first gold medal for the USA men at the event who went a perfect 7-0 en route to the final.
The Americans led wire to wire against Israel. After leading 7-2 five minutes into the contest, Trey McGowens led the U.S. on a 6-0 run to deflate any Israeli hope of a comeback. The USA fought on both sides of the ball and celebrated the win following a deep 2-pointer from Jalen Lecque.
McGowens, who finished tied as the tournament’s top scorer on the men’s side, led the USA with ten points in the game, including a pair of 2-pointers. All four Americans tallied points.
The margin of victory (18) was the largest of the entire tournament.
The USA punched its ticket to the final with a 21-10 win over Germany in the semifinals. After conceding the first point to Germany, the USA rattled off a 5-0 run and kept running until reaching 21. The Germans struggled to get into a rhythm offensively as the USA consistently caused turnovers and blocked multiple attempts on drives. Matthew Hurt scored eight points to lead the team in scoring for the first time in the tournament.
In the quarterfinals, the USA marched past Romania for a 21-13 win. The U.S. used a 6-0 run to break a 4-4 tie and pull away from the Romanians. After reaching double figures with just over six minutes to play, the Americans cruised to victory. The team led by no less than four points the rest of the way. McGowens, who had scored a personal-best 13 points in the USA’s final pool play matchup, followed up his standout performance with a team-best 10 points.
To see the final standings from the 3x3 U23 World Cup, click 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 basketball, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-pointer field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins.