Former Parkway and current LSU star Mikaylah Williams hit the winning shot as the USA defeated Australia 21-20 in the FIBA 3×3 Women’s World Cup gold medal game Sunday in Warsaw, Poland.
Williams was named the tournament’s MVP. The USA went 7-0 including four victories in pool play. She finished with 46 points.
Williams hit a two-point shot (equivalent to a 3-pointer in 5×5) with about 31 seconds left. That gave the USA their 21st point and the victory.
Australia had rallied from 17-12 deficit and taken a 20-19 lead on a two-point shot with 52 seconds left. The USA’s Milaysia Filwiley, a teammate of Williams at LSU, missed a two-pointer with 47 seconds left but she chased down the rebound.
She passed the ball to Williams who hit the game-winner after making a move to get open.
Fulwiley led the team with nine points. She also had two rebounds. Williams had four points and three rebounds.
Earlier Sunday, the USA edged Azerbaijan 19-18 in overtime in the semifinals. Williams scored a team-high nine points and had three rebounds.
Williams hit a two-point shot with 10 seconds left to give the USA a 17-15 lead. Azerbaijan tied it at the buzzer.
Sahara Williams scored in overtime to put the USA up one. After Azerbaijan tied it, Mikaylah missed a two-pointer. Fulwiley and an Australia player scrambled for the loose ball. A jump ball was called with possession going to the USA.
Mikaylah then hit a jumper from just behind the free throw line for the victory.