USA Women's National Team Finishes 2022 FIBA 3x3 World Cup Pool Play Undefeated
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· 2022 FIBA 3x3 World Cup Box Scores
The USA Basketball Women’s National Team secured a first-place finish in Pool B at the 2022 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, with a 4-0 record, after a thrilling Friday at the Groenplaats in Antwerp, Belgium.
After handling Brazil, 18-14, the USA rallied late against France, where Hailey Van Lith’s game-ending shot in overtime secured a spot in the quarterfinals.
The game against France determined if the U.S. would automatically advance to the quarterfinals or play in the Round of 16. The USA fell into an early deficit against France, trailing for the majority of the first minutes of the contest. The France lead grew to seven (16-9) with four minutes left, but the U.S. quickly responded.
The comeback began via Van Lith’s offense, Ashley Joens’ clutch free throws and stellar defense from Cierra Burdick and Lauren Cox. The France lead was erased by a 9-2 USA run, sending the contest to overtime, where the first team to score two points would be the victor.
France missed both of their overtime shots, while Van Lith made both for the USA, including a jumper at the elbow to end the game. In total, she scored 12 points to lead the U.S. in that category for the third time in Pool Play.
In the early game against Brazil, which featured six ties in the final five minutes, Cox’s stellar play in the waning two minutes of action propelled the USA on to victory.
She scored four of her seven points in the final two minutes, as a part of a 5-1 USA run, including a clutch 2-pointer with 1:20 remaining. Overall, against Brazil she went 3-for-5 from the field and 3-for-4 from the charity stripe to go with seven rebounds and three blocks.
USA’s opponent in the quarterfinals is unknown, as they will face the winner of Canada and Germany. The remaining contests will be streamed on www.youtube.com/fiba3x3.
Different than five-on-five, 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-pointer field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc is victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins.
