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Team USA is leaving the 2023 3×3 FIBA World Cup with a pair of medals.
The women’s team took gold in the event, winning the championship game 16-12 over France. The men’s team fell short to Serbia, losing 21-19, and brought home the silver medal.
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🇺🇸 USA ARE YOUR FIBA 3×3 WORLD CUP 2023 WINNERS 🎊🥇#3x3WC | @usab3x3 pic.twitter.com/mznRkQOMem
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Watch how Serbia 🇷🇸 defeated USA to win their 6th FIBA 3×3 World Cup title #3x3WC pic.twitter.com/VYmoaisHHX
The men’s team’s loss came after they had a golden chance to win. The tournament does not just rely on a clock, the winner could also be determined by whoever scores 21 points first. The U.S. men led 19-15, and former BYU sharpshooter Jimmer Fredette had an opportunity to seal the deal. His shot rimmed out, giving the Serbians some life.
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This potential #3x3WC Final game-winner by Fredette 🇺🇸 didn’t go in 🤯😳😶🌫️ pic.twitter.com/AqYl1B5dQp
Serbia then started a 6-0 run that cemented them as top dog in the 3×3 circuit, as this was the countries fifth 3×3 World Cup victory in the past six tournaments.
The U.S. women outlasted France through tough defense and timely scoring. Some standouts include incoming LSU transfer Hailey Van Lith and Stanford’s Cameron Brink, who was named tournament MVP.
The men’s team finished the tournament 6-1 overall, while the women finished 7-1. The women’s gold was the team’s first since 2014.