Poland and Russia win Europe 1 conference, earn spot in FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League Final

SZOLNOK (Hungary) - Just one month ago we were marveling at the play of both Poland (women) and Russia (men) at the FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League, Europe 1 conference.

After completing Stops 4-6 in Szolnok, Hungary this week, the two countries continue to sit atop the rankings, earning themselves a spot in the FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League final, which will take place in Bucharest, Romania on September 18-19, 2021.

Here are the final standings:

Men
Russia: 540 pts
Poland: 490 pts
Austria: 395 pts
Slovakia: 380 pts
Hungary: 320 pts
Germany: 305 pts

Women
Poland: 550 pts
Austria: 425 pts
Slovakia: 365 pts
Germany: 360 pts
Hungary: 350 pts
Russia: 290 pts

After slashing through the competition over the first three stops, the Russian men were again dominant. At Stop 4, Poland were finally able to take down the undefeated Russian team 21-14 in the final. At Stop 5, Russia returned the favor, going unbeaten and defeating Poland 21-17 for another title. Stop 6 added some parity to the pool stage, with Slovakia advancing over Russia in Pool A and then eventually to the winner’s circle, defeating Poland in the final, 21-16. In the end, it was too much Russia over all six stops.

The Polish women were once again sensational through the final three stops, finishing 3rd, 1st, and 2nd. But, the big winner of the second grouping of stops was Austria. They defeated Poland, 21-13 in the final after defeating them in the pool stage as well. At Stop 5, Poland beat Germany 20-19 in the final in what was their toughest win all competition. Stop 6 was all Austria again, beating Poland 20-18 in the final.

While Poland and Russia will both qualify for Bucharest, Austria (women) and Poland (men) still have a chance to qualify as there are still two spots for the best teams in the tour standings (not yet qualified and combining all conferences).

Top overall scorers

Men
Adrian Bogucki (Poland) - 120 pts
Andrey Kiselev (Russia) - 87 pts
Michael Samsonowicz (Poland) - 81 pts
Nico  Kaltenbrunner (Austria) - 77 pts
Vladislav Sharapov (Russia) - 75 pts

Women
Aleksandra Ziemborska (Poland) - 119 pts
Marta Marcinkowska (Poland) - 88 pts
Theresa Simon (Germany) - 80 pts
Weronika Papiernik (Poland) - 78 pts
Anna Pozdnyakova (Russia) - 65 pts 

This season, the winners of each conference, the two best teams in the tour standings (not yet qualified and combining all conferences) and the Romanian hosts will participate in the U23 Nations League Final.

FIBA