France emerge victorious in FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Clermont-Ferrand Stop 2023

CLERMONT-FERRAND (France) -  FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2023 silver medalist and hometown side France beat Lithuania 21-20 to win the Clermont-Ferrand Stop of the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series on June 10.

The finals took place between two sides that remained unbeaten, France and Lithuania, both equally physical and capable of scoring on all levels. Kamile Nacickaite had been on-fire offensively throughout, continuing her run in the finals as she put up 13 points for Lithuania. However, the shotmaking from Marie Mané and MVP Laetitia Guapo proved to be the difference-maker as they combined for 17 points to lead hometown side France to the win.

Lithuania never gave up, however. Each time when it felt like France had cemented the result, their opposition would battle back. With the game tied, it was Hortense Limouzin that sealed the deal, outpacing everyone to lay the ball in.

The event showed the lingering effects of the World Cup last week, especially on China who won the first two legs of the Women’s Series this year. Despite an early win against Switzerland, the women from China went winless for the rest of the competition. The Spanish side led by Marta Canella proved to be stellar as well, gaining huge wins over China and Sc. Yuanda before ultimately losing to winners France in a semi-final OT thriller. 

Final standings

1. France
2. Lithuania
3. Spain
4. France U24
5. China
6. Sc. Yuanda
7. Switzerland
8. Turkey

The Women’s Series makes its way back to Azerbaijan as the action gets underway in Shusha on June 12-13.