"VAN" (Sports Desk - 07.09.2026) :: France (FRA) ended their wait for a FIBA 3x3 Women's Series 2026 stop victory in emphatic fashion, defeating Rapid Bucharest (ROU) 22-14 in the Final to claim the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Project Redwings Shanghai Final 2026 on September 6.
After finishing first in the three-way tie in Pool A on Day 1, France delivered when it mattered most, defeating Neftchi SOCAR (AZE) in the Semi-Finals before overcoming Rapid in the championship game to secure their first Women's Series stop win of the season -- and the biggest one at that.
The victory also marked France's third FIBA 3x3 Women's Series season championship, following their previous triumphs in 2019 and 2024.
Finishing the job
France entered the knockout rounds as Pool A winners after going 2-1 on Day 1 and topping the three-way tie on total points.
They then faced a tough Neftchi SOCAR side in the Semi-Finals. The contest was physical and low-scoring from the outset, with the two teams tied 2-2 early. France gradually established control, moving ahead 7-3 midway through the game before Neftchi fought back.
Brianna Fraser, who had suffered an early injury, returned to the court and helped keep Neftchi within striking distance. But Laetitia Guapo continued to make an impact for France, helping her team maintain an 11-8 advantage with under two minutes remaining.
Marie Mané then delivered the decisive blow, hitting a big two-pointer to put France ahead 15-11. Fraser answered with another two-pointer, but France held on for a 15-13 victory and a place in the Final.
Awaiting them was Rapid Bucharest, who had swept Pool B before defeating Netherlands 18-14 in their Semi-Final.
France control Final
The championship game began as a tight affair, with France holding a narrow 4-3 advantage early.
France then began to pull away. They extended their lead to 6-3 before taking control midway through the game at 10-5. Rapid struggled to generate consistent offense as France did an excellent job containing Marta Miščenko inside.
France continued to hold the advantage, moving ahead 13-7 with four minutes remaining and eventually building a 16-12 lead with under three minutes to play.
Rapid refused to go quietly. Hortense Limouzin missed three free throws as France maintained a 16-12 advantage, but Rapid stayed alive when they cut the deficit to 16-14 with a minute remaining.
France responded immediately. Marie-Eve Paget knocked down a crucial two-pointer to restore a four-point cushion before Guapo added a free throw to make it 19-14. France closed out the championship from there, eventually securing a 22-14 victory. Paget added a buzzer-beating two-pointer to put the finishing touches on France's title triumph.
The victory made both Guapo and Paget three-time FIBA 3x3 Women's Series champions, having also been part of the France teams that won in 2019 and 2024.
Guapo named MVP
Guapo was at the heart of France's championship run and was rewarded with the MVP award. The French star finished the Project Redwings Shanghai Final ranked second in total player value with 38.2, while also grabbing 22 rebounds, third-most in the tournament, and scoring 30 points, good for fourth overall.
Her all-around contribution proved decisive as France navigated two difficult knockout games and ultimately lifted the championship trophy.
Young Talent's Laura Award
Beijing's (CHN) Li Ruoying was named the winner of the Young Talent's Laura Award, recognizing the best U25 player of the Shanghai Final. Despite Beijing's injury-hit campaign, Li and her teammates fought through to the knockout stage and provided one of the home crowd's standout stories.
Final Standings
1. France (FRA)
2. Rapid Bucharest (ROU)
3. Netherlands (NED)
4. Neftchi SOCAR (AZE)
5. Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL)
6. Beijing (CHN)
7. China (CHN)
8. Germany (GER)
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