3x3 Women's Series in Quebec - Knockout Stage Recap

After an unpredictable and highly competitive start to the weekend's 3x3 Women's Series tournament, nothing was guaranteed on finals day. All six teams that had made it through had so far seen at least one loss, with some of the previous day's results showing no tournament ever goes according to script - that an upset was very much on the cards for anyone.

Paige Crozon, Kacie Bosch and Women's Series newcomers Mael Gilles and Rosalie Mercille had secured a semi-final bye after winning their pool on day one and awaited either Lithuania or the Czech Republic. At the same time France and the USA would face off, the winner of that going on to play Germany for a place in the final.

In the first game of the day the USA showed their cohesiveness as a unit, sharing and distributing the ball as well as playing lock down defence in the low post, denying the French any looks from close range. Going on a 7-2 run in just under two minutes, the game was brought to a close and the Americans marched on with a ten-point win under their belts.

Similarly, Lithuania began their quarter final with two unbroken runs of six points, leaving the Czechs

Monika Grigalauskyte led the Lithuanians in shutting out the opposition and contesting every shot, grabbing eleven total rebounds, while Kamile Nacickaite had ten points and boards in an outstanding showing in their statement 22-6 win, showing this team were a force to be reckoned with.

The Lithuanain warpath continued into the semi finals, where they took an early lead over Canada and after four from beyond the arc were leading 11-3 after four minutes. With their opposition monopolizing possession, Canada were subject to a long cold streak finally ended by Mercille - but they trailed by double digits with time running out.

Everyone on the floor in the red did what they could to keep the dream live, but the double-digit deficit proved too much to overcome in what little time there was left. Canada reduced their arrears to 19-13 but it would spell the end of their home tournament, led by eight points and rebounds from Nacickaite it would be Lithuania who would be bounding into the final.

Elsewhere, Lauren Cox came out firing for the USA against Germany and joined in suit by Breanna Richardson they built a six-point lead with the game halfway over. Luana Rodefeld tried to instigate something in response for Germany but it was too little too late, the Americans already had this one wrapped up, breezing into the final with a 15-9 win.

So it all came down to the USA and Lithuania for the crown in Quebec, with a close contest between the two teams to beat expected. When the final tipped off however, the Americans were quick to assert themselves in the low post and had amassed a five point lead in the first half of the game.

Grigalauskyte did what she could to keep Lithuania within reaching distance, but Cox and Richardson combined once again and the USA lead stood at nine with two minutes left. A few more open looks ahead of the final buzzer put the final result beyond doubt, the Canadian crowds were consigned to the best team in Quebec this weekend being the Americans.

One of the most consistent and productive players throughout, Lauren Cox was named the most valuable player of the tournament. Her team mate Cierra Budrick finished as the top rebounder in Quebec with Lithuanian standout Kamile Nacickaite the highest scorer. As for the home team Mael Gilles impressed in her debut for Canada, finishing in the top ten scorers along with Paige Crozon.

Despite the disappointing ending for the home team here, they made every effort with their performance this tournament, with their experienced players stepping up in advanced roles and impressive newcomers adding to the team talent pool. See more on the Quebec tournament by following this link to visit the official 3x3 Women's Series website.