CHENGDU (China) – The United States prevailed in the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series 2026 Chengdu stop after a hard-fought 20-18 victory over Germany in a dramatic Final on Saturday.
It marked USA’s first FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series stop win since 2024 -- and the first for this current roster -- as they battled through a stacked field and delivered when it mattered most.
Final recap
The championship game lived up to the hype, with both teams trading blows in a tense, physical contest. Germany leaned on their size advantage early, with Ama Degbeon anchoring the inside presence, while Victoria Poros kept them within striking distance from deep.
USA, however, had the answer in Mikaylah Williams, who delivered a superstar performance with 10 points. With the game hanging in the balance, she knocked down a clutch two-pointer to give USA a late 19-18 lead before Sahara Williams added the insurance tip-in.
Germany had their chances in the closing seconds, but USA held firm to seal the crucial win.
Road to the Final
USA’s path to the title was anything but easy.
They edged past Amsterdam 20-18 in the Quarter-Finals behind a strong showing from Joyce Edwards, before surviving a thriller against Poland in the Semi-Finals, 21-20. In that game, USA showed resilience, with Milaysia Fulwiley delivering the game-winning floater after a back-and-forth battle that went down to the wire.
Germany, meanwhile, were equally impressive. They knocked off Australia 21-16 in the Quarter-Finals, fueled by hot shooting from beyond the arc led by Poros.
In the Semi-Finals, Germany prevailed in an overtime classic against China, 16-15. Marie Reichert delivered the decisive shot, while Degbeon and Zhou Mengyun traded big plays in a tightly contested duel.
Earlier action
The tournament delivered drama from the very start, beginning with an intense qualifying draw.
Host side China advanced after surviving a nail-biter against Warsaw, 17-16, while Brazil powered through Qualifying Draw B with back-to-back wins before bowing out in the Main Draw.
In pool play, several contenders made strong statements. Despite having just three active players on Day 1, USA dominated early, including a commanding 21-5 win over Brazil, while Australia showcased their firepower with a clutch win over USA and a dominant 21-9 victory against Brazil.
Amsterdam impressed by sweeping Pool B, highlighted by a thrilling overtime win against Beijing, while Poland displayed grit with back-to-back one-point wins over China and Japan.
Top seeds Ulaanbaatar Amazons overcame a slow start to top Pool A, but their campaign was cut short in the Quarter-Finals after a narrow 19-18 loss to China.
Standout performers
Mikaylah Williams USA was the undisputed star of the tournament, earning MVP honors after averaging 7.6 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 highlights per game. She delivered consistently throughout the event and rose to the occasion in the Final with a clutch scoring display.
Germany’s Marie Reichert and Ama Degbeon were instrumental in their team’s run, while Poland’s Aleksandra Zięmborska continued to shine as one of the most reliable performers on the circuit.
China’s Zhou Mengyun and A Ganajing also impressed, leading their team from the qualifying draw all the way to a fourth-place finish.
What it means
USA’s triumph sends a strong message to the rest of the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series field as the 2026 season heats up. With this squad already finding their rhythm, they emerge as a serious contender moving forward.
Germany and Poland also proved they are forces to be reckoned with, while China’s deep run highlights their growing presence on the global stage.
Final Standings
1. United States (USA) 2. Germany (GER) 3. Poland (POL) 4. China (CHN) 5. Amsterdam (NED) 6. Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL) 7. Australia (AUS) 8. Mongolia (MGL) 9. Yanjing (CHN) 10. Japan (JPN) 11. Beijing (CHN) 12. Brazil (BRA) 13. Warsaw (POL) 14. Philippines (PHI) 15. New Zealand (NZL) 16. Lion City (SGP)
After a short break, the FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series 2026 continues on May 7-8 in Manila, where many of the world’s best will once again battle for supremacy.
FIBA