SUMGAIT (Azerbaijan) - Australia (AUS) captured their first FIBA 3x3 Women's Series win of the 2026 season after defeating Ukraine 21-13 in the Final of the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Sumgait.
Australia entered Day 2 as one of the tournament favorites after sweeping Pool C and carried that momentum into the knockout rounds. Behind the inside presence of Hannah Hank and the all-around brilliance of MVP Marena Whittle, the Gangurrus proved too strong throughout the elimination phase to lift the trophy in Azerbaijan.
The Final
The Final began as a physical contest, with Australia holding a narrow 6-4 advantage early. Ukraine (UKR) stayed within striking distance for much of the game, but Australia gradually seized control behind their dominance around the basket. The Australians opened up a commanding 16-8 lead with less than three minutes remaining before Lauren Nicholson buried the title-clinching two-pointer to secure a 21-13 victory.
Hank led the way with 9 points in the Final, while Whittle continued her outstanding tournament campaign as Australia completed an unbeaten campaign.
Road to the Final
Ukraine put together their own impressive run to the Final after advancing from Pool D and catching fire in the knockout rounds. Powered by the dominant play of Miriam Uro-Nilie, they defeated Chile (CHI) 15-11 in the Quarter-Finals before rallying past Japan (JPN) by the same score in the Semi-Finals. Trailing 10-7 with less than four minutes remaining, Ukraine closed the contest on an 8-1 run to secure their place in the Final.
The knockout rounds were filled with drama, highlighted by Japan's stunning 14-13 upset of top-seeded and hometown favorite Neftchi SOCAR (AZE) behind Ufuoma Tanaka's late heroics. Austria (AUT) also survived a thriller against Germany (GER), prevailing 12-11 to reach the Semi-Finals, while Australia booked their place in the Final Four with an 18-10 win over China (CHN) before defeating Austria 17-12 behind Hank and Whittle.
MVP
Australia's Whittle was named FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2026 Sumgait MVP after leading the undefeated Gangurrus. The versatile star delivered on both ends of the floor throughout the tournament. She was second overall in total points (31), key assists (9), rebounds, (33), and player value (41.5), while also recording four double-fives. Whittle also sank a tournament-high 8 two-pointers.
Final Standings
1. Australia (AUS) 2. Ukraine (UKR) 3. Austria (AUT) 4. Japan (JPN) 5. Neftchi SOCAR (AZE) 6. Germany (GER) 7. Chile (CHI) 8. China (CHN) 9. Egypt (EGY) 10. Yanjing (CHN) 11. Slovakia (SVK) 12. Thailand (THA) 13. Slovenia (SLO) 14. Lithuania (LTU) 15. Paraguay (PAR) 16. Azerbaijan (AZE)
The FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2026 continues on June 25-26 with the Ulaanbaatar Women's Series stop. The Women's Series Poitiers 2026 will also take place on June 26-27 as the race for the season standings continues.
FIBA