BORDEAUX (France) - Powerhouse Canada are timing their run to perfection on the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2025 after going all the way at the Bordeaux Stop on August 20-21. Here's what happened at the 12th stop of the season.
The winner: Canada
Such a seasoned team, Canada are peaking when it matters most after completing consecutive triumphs. On the back of a dominant performance as host in Edmonton, Canada were even stronger in Bordeaux in an unbeaten campaign.
Canada were never seriously threatened, twice beating Austria, including comfortably in the final, and perhaps their best victory was a 20-15 dub over rival USA in the semis.
The confident Canadians fired on all cylinders with MVP Saicha Grant-Allen leading the way, but she had plenty of support as Paige Crozon and Cassandra Brown were unconscious.
The runner-up: Austria
Hands up if you had Austria making the final? Put your hands down because their giant-killing run truly surprised, especially after Austria suffered a big 21-10 beatdown to Canada in their opener.
But Austria then reeled off three impressive dubs, including upsets over host France and CS Rapid Bucharest (ROU).
Austria's defense was outstanding throughout as they stifled highly-fancied teams, while Alexia Allesch and Sina Hollerl were dynamic on the offensive end.
The Final: Canada 18-Austria 12
Canada entered as the hot favorite, but knew they would face a far tougher test compared to their pool victory over Austria.
Austria's momentum spilled over with Hollerl scoring down low within seconds, but Canada regrouped with the next six points - four of them from a red-hot Crozon. Austria were in danger of being blown out before Allesch launched from beyond the arc.
The Austrians had been awesome on defense during the event, but had no answer for Crozon who went on another run with four points as Canada stretched their lead to a big 13-4 advantage.
Austria finally clamped down on defense, but it was too late as Canada claimed another eye-catching victory on the back of Crozon's masterpiece of 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 highlights.
Final Standings: 1. Canada 2. Austria 3. USA 4. CS Rapid Bucharest (ROU) 5. Spain Next Stop: The W Series will journey to Sabail on August 23-24.
FIBA