USA clinical, Netherlands resilient on Day 3 of FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2023

LUBLIN (Poland) - USA (Men) go perfect in Pool Play while the Netherlands (Women) persevere despite setbacks on Day 3 of the FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup 2023 on September 29.

THE TEAMS

On the Men’s side, USA came through to live up to the hype, winning both games on the day to go perfect in the Pool phase. They faced off against a physical Egypt side first who did well to neutralize the American’s size advantage. However, they were not able to contend with Trey McGowens III and Jalen Lecque who scored 7 apiece to lead their side to a 11 - 21 victory. 

It was the Trey Mac show in their next game against Lithuania as McGowens III went off for 13 points, proving to be unstoppable as USA came away with a 21 - 16 win. 

They would be one of four teams to book their spot in the Quarter-Final, with France, Lithuania and Romania making their way onto Sunday's action. 

On the women’s side, the Netherlands had a difficult task ahead, despite two wins on their opening day, they needed at least a win from one of their two mammoth games against China and USA. In the first game, they suffered a massive blow. Kiki Fleuren picked up an injury that would sideline her. Along with it came a difficult loss to China.

The Dutch knew they had to rally against USA to keep their run alive. The on-fire Zia Cooke was firing all game, putting up 11 points, however, the Netherlands battled and kept on. Zoe Slagter put up 9 points, including some clutch and-one plays while Lotte Van Kruistum added 8. Their strong lead did start to slip with USA fighting back, but Van Kriustum would come clutch at the end to seal the deal. They came away with a 19 - 21 win that would see them go through to the Quarter-Finals. 

Joining them would be China, France, and Hungary with the QF action stacking up to be one to remember.

THE PLAYERS

USA’s (Men) Trey McGowens III was lights out on the day, scoring a total of 20 points including a 13-piece in an intense game against Lithuania to make a statement heading into the Quarter-Finals. 

Lithuania’s (Men) Titas Januševičius put up an identical 13 and 7-point statline as well as Lithuania booked their QF berth with a strong victory over Italy. 

On the Women’s side, Zoe Slagter was the heart for the Dutch side (on her birthday!). She put up 16 points total, 9 of them coming in their crucial win against team USA. 

Speaking of team USA, Zia Cooke had been absolutely stellar all competition. She put up 11 points in their battle against the Netherlands before adding in 7 points to her total in their final game against Kenya.

DAY 4

Group Play comes to a close tomorrow with the final four spots on the line in each category. Two intense days of action up ahead.