Burdick, USA Women Claim Gold At FIBA 3x3 World Cup

VIENNA, Austria – LVFL Cierra Burdick and the USA women captured the gold medal at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup on Sunday after besting France 16-12 to claim the United States' third World title and first since 2014.

With the finish, the USA earned a berth into the FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which will be held in the first half of 2024 prior to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Putting on a defensive clinic in both the final and semifinal, the American women gave up a combined 24 points on the day. In the final, the USA allowed France to score just eight points through the 1:41 mark of the contest.

France shot 33.0 percent from the field, hitting 8-of-19 1-pointers but failing to hit one of their 12 attempts from 2-point range.

France got into foul trouble early, committing its seventh foul at the 6:04 mark, giving the U.S. two free throws on every subsequent foul. The USA capitalized and converted 9-of-11 shots from the charity stripe to go with seven 1-pointers.

The USA was led by seven points and six rebounds each from Burdick as well as Hailey Van Lith. Burdick, who along with Linnae Harper, has played 3x3 for more than a decade, earned her second World title after also being a member of the U.S.'s last gold medal team in 2014.

"This is unbelievable," Burdick said. "Last year, I was super disappointed with our performance in the World Cup. I'm just so happy to be here and to bounce back like this with this staff and this team. We're a huge family. We knew if we played together, we'd have a great chance at winning gold."

The U.S. started the day with a 20-12 semifinal win over China, who eventually fell 21-20 to Australia in the bronze medal game.

June 3 / Play-In Round & Quarterfinals

The USA women firmly controlled the game, leading from start to finish, in a 21-17 victory over Austria in the quarterfinals on Saturday. Austria kept it interesting in the latter stages, catching fire from 2-point range and several times answering the USA's 1-pointers with makes from deep much to the delight of their home fans.

The Americans maintained poised, staying together on defense, owning the boards and hitting 72.0 percent of their shots (12-19 1FG, 3-7 2FG, 3-3 FT) to get the victory on a Cameron Brink putback following her third offensive rebound and 10th overall. Brink was outstanding throughout, helping the USA to its fourth 3x3 World Cup semifinal and also recording six points and two blocks.

Van Lith led the team with eight points, while Harper added five and Burdick two points and two rebounds.

Earlier in the day, the USA earned its spot in the quarterfinal with an exciting 22-17 win over Japan in the play-in contest.

The USA and Japan opened 3x3 action for the day, and both teams meant business. The game featured wild shots, big blocks and a crucial 6-1 U.S. run – taking the game from a 14-14 tie to a 20-15 edge – to cement the W.

June 1 / Conclusion Of Pool C Play
The American women completed pool play with wins over Mongolia and Czech Republic on Thursday at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 Women's World Cup in Vienna. At 3-1, the USA clinched a spot in Saturday's knockout rounds and finished second in Pool C behind Canada.

The USA defeated Mongolia, 21-18, in their first game on Thursday. Burdick chipped in three points and grabbed a USA tournament-high 10 boards. Five of those came on the offensive glass.

By a 21-8 count, USA prevailed over previously undefeated Czech Republic in game two on Thursday.

The U.S. defense forced nine turnovers, held the opposition to just seven 1-pointers and didn't allow a score in the last 2:01 of game play with the red, white and blue closing on a 9-0 run. Burdick, a force on the boards versus Mongolia, added five in the second game and dished three key assists.

May 30 / Poll C Play Begins

The USA women started their 2023 FIBA 3x3 Women's World Cup journey Tuesday in Vienna with Pool C play against Canada and Hungary.

Playing on Rathausplatz in front of Vienna's City Hall, the U.S. finished the day on a winning note, taking a 20-10 decision over Hungary after dropping their opener vs. Canada, 16-13.

The U.S. hit 14 of 21 attempts from 1-point while out-rebounding Hungary 16-11.  Burdick was active on the glass with a game-best six boards along with three points and three key assists.

The U.S. dropped its first contest to Canada, 16-13, in a physical game that saw the Americans leading 7-1 with 5:52 to play. After conceding the opening 1-pointer to Canada, the U.S. ticked a 7-0 run over a little more than three minutes. Canada responded with its own 9-2 run to the 2:21 mark.

Tied at 13 with 1:04 to play, Canada went on to score the last three points in a span of 30 seconds, rebounding from an earlier overtime loss to Czech Republic.  Burdick notched three buckets for her squad in the setback.

University of Tennessee Athletics

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