COPENHAGEN (Denmark) - France (men) and Spain (women) showcase contender mentality as they handle business on Day 2 of the FIBA 3x3 Europe Cup on September 6.
TEAMS
FRANCE (men)
The men from France came away with a perfect record and all the headlines after a scintillating set of results.
They defeated Hungary in the opening game, business as usual with a 22 - 12 scoreline. Alex Vialaret and Jules Rambaut combined for 14 points while Hugo Suhard drilled the timely buckets to put the game to bed.
Their second game of the day came against the young and dynamic Germans, both fighting for the top spot in the pool. It was a back-and-forth physical battle between two contenders, going right down to the wire. For France, it was Vialaret who came in clutch and drilled an incredible game-winning two-pointer to hand Les Bleus the top spot with a 21 - 20 thrilling victory.
Momentum is riding high with France as they head into tomorrow’s knockout action with confidence.
Austria also went unbeaten on the day with wins over Lithuania and Denmark.
SPAIN (women)
Reigning European champs Spain showed out in pool play today, going unbeaten with decisive wins over Great Britain and Hungary.
It was a 21 - 13 result in their opener against Great Britain, with Sandra Ygueravide standing out for her light-out display from deep. She made 4 shots from two-point range which proved to be key to their win.
They took down Hungary next in a 21 - 12 victory with Vega Gimeno leading the score sheets with 7 points, dominating in the paint while Hungary struggled to contain.
The women from Spain are primed for a successful defense heading into knockout action tomorrow.
The Netherlands also stayed perfect, defeating Lithuania and Austria in pool play.
PLAYERS
NICO KALTENBRUNNER (Austria)
The Austrian star made waves in 2024 when he led his side to the European title. It seems like he’s brought the momentum forward to Denmark.
Kaltenbrunner was a machine for Austria today, starting out with a marquee 21 - 16 win over Lithuania where he finished as top scorer with 8. They closed out with an 18 - 15 result against home side Denmark where Kaltenbrunner notched another 6 to his tally.
A relentless scorer and an engine to the Austrian side, they’ll be relying on Kaltenbrunner to bring the heat on Day 3.
NOORTJE DRIESSEN (Netherlands)
There was no stopping the former World Number 1 in Copenhagen!
The Dutch star was on fire all day, leading the way to their victory in pool play. She started off with a team-high 8 points against Lithuania in their 15 - 11 victory. She worked the paint and notched decisive points inside the perimeter.
In their next game against Austria, Driessen caught fire from deep, drilling 4 2-pointers and accruing a total 11 points over the game as they came away 18 - 12 victors.
She is firing on all cylinders as the World Champs aim to take the European crown tomorrow.
DAY 3
Pool phase is a wrap, we decide our medal winners tomorrow. Catch it all LIVE on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube channel.