UDINE (Italy) - France have built an unassailable lead in the inaugural FIBA 3x3 Women's Series after claiming the Udine Stop on September 14-15, 2019.

The world No.1 team won their sixth stop - a remarkable feat considering they've played in nine stops. With two stops remaining, France have built an impregnable lead on top of the standings after a tough 16-14 overtime victory over the Netherlands in the final.

Unbeaten France were pushed all the way by the Dutchwomen in a thrilling decider. A major upset appeared likely when the Netherlands led 9-3 but France stormed back into the contest with superstar Migna Touré igniting their rally.

Touré scored three points in the dying stages to ensure the final went into overtime and then she finished it off with a two-piece to spark French celebrations.

Touré scored a game-high 10 points to overcome heroic efforts from star sisters Loyce and Jill Bettonvil who combined for 10 points. 

It was a heartbreaking end for the No.4 seeds who reached the final after an impressive semi-finals victory over hosts Italy.

With a balanced team effort, it was the highest finish for the Netherlands in the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series having reached semi-finals in Chengdu and Poitiers earlier in the competition.

The top four seeds all reached the semi-finals with Poland overcoming an earlier loss to Italy to make a deep run, largely due to the brilliance of Agnieszka Szott-Hejmej who led her team in scoring in Udine.

Udine Standings
1. France
2. Netherlands
3. Italy
4. Poland
5. Czech Republic U23
6. Italy U23
7. Romania
8. Ukraine

In the overall standings, France extended their huge lead with 770 points. Canada (510) and Italy (460) are next best.

The FIBA 3x3 Women's Series will come to an end at the end of this week with the Tokyo Stop and the Edmonton Final on September 21-22.

FIBA