Gold in Poland: USA’s 3×3 Triumph
The 2026 FIBA 3×3 World Cup concluded in Poland with Team USA clinching the gold medal in a nail‑biting final against Australia. The U.S. secured a 21‑20 victory, thanks to a last‑second jumper by LSU guard Mikaylah Williams that turned a one‑point deficit into a championship‑winning basket.
MiLaysia Fulwiley, also an LSU standout, contributed a team‑high nine points and helped steady the Americans with her defensive presence, finishing with a block that proved crucial in the closing seconds.
A Historic Run
The triumph marks the fourth time the United States has captured the 3×3 World Cup crown since 2012 and follows a dominant stretch in which the squad has won 18 of its last 19 games since May 1, including back‑to‑back titles on the Women’s Series circuit.
Williams, who led the U.S. in scoring at both Women’s Series stops earlier in the year, added two game‑winning shots to her résumé, one of which came in the final against Australia. Her performance underscored a tournament in which she tallied 46 points across seven contests.
Rising Stars and Future Plans
LSU center Kate Koval, who represented Ukraine in the tournament, posted 12 points, 23 rebounds and six blocks over five games before her team fell to Australia in the quarterfinals. She is slated to return to LSU for the 2026‑27 season.
Coach Kim Mulkey, now in her sixth year at LSU, celebrated the achievements of her players while emphasizing the program’s continued growth and recruitment momentum.