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Courtesy of two clutch free throws from Allisha Gray, the United States reclaimed AmeriCup gold.
The American quartet of Gray, Naz Hillmon, Veronica Burton and Shakira Austin defeated Canada 21-19 in the Final of the 2025 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup.
With nine points in Final, including the winning free throws, Gray was named tournament MVP. Gray also had five assists in the Final, with Naz Hillmon adding eight points and eight rebounds.
Team USA’s athletic advantages proved too much for Canada, as the US succeeded by scoring inside, whether via drives from Gray or cuts and post ups from Hillmon and Shakria Austin. Trying to deter the Americans’ attacks of basket, the Canadians accumulated too many fouls, sending the US to the line for 11 free throw attempts.
Canada, however, gave the US their toughest test of the tournament, with the Canadians keeping pace with the Americans thorough their intentional, cohesive offense, oriented around Katherine Plouffe serving as the hub.
So after the US cruised into the final with ease, with Veronica Burton’s five 2-pointers powering Team USA over Argentina in the Quarter-Final by a score of 22-4 before the American foursome trampled over the Dominican Republic 21-5 in the Semi-Final, the matchup with Canada demanded that the US execute under pressure, as the Canadians were ready to take advantage of the kinds of mistakes that the Americans got away with against prior opponents.
Despite competing together for the first time, Gray, Hillmon, Burton and Austin came through, demonstrating a confidence that did not waver, even as late 2-pointer from Canada’s Paige Crozon tied the game at 19. The Americans, thus, rightfully exulted when Gray cooly converted both free throws.
The win gives Team USA three 3×3 AmeriCup gold medals, while also representing a successful start to Elena Delle Donne’s tenure as the 3×3 managing director for USA Basketball.
