Famila Schio Clinches Italian Women’s Basketball Title in Thrilling Game 3 Victory Over Umana Reyer Venezia

VENEZIA, Italy — The Italian women’s basketball championship was decided in a dramatic Game 3 showdown on Sunday, as Famila Wuber Schio defeated Umana Reyer Venezia 70-64 to claim the 2025-26 Serie A1 title. The victory, secured in front of a raucous home crowd at Palasport Taliercio, marked Schio’s triumph in a hard-fought best-of-three finals series and ended Venezia’s quest for a historic domestic double.

For Schio, the championship represents the culmination of a dominant season, while Venezia’s resilient run—despite the loss—has cemented the team’s status as a rising force in European women’s basketball. Here’s how the decisive game unfolded, why it matters, and what comes next for both teams.

The Game: A Battle of Wills and Second-Half Surges

The final game of the series was a microcosm of the entire finals: intense, physical, and decided by fine margins. Schio entered the contest with a 1-1 series tie, having split the first two games with Venezia. The home team, Umana Reyer, had the advantage of playing in front of 2,900 passionate fans, but Schio’s experience and composure in clutch moments ultimately made the difference.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. Schio led by as many as nine points in the second quarter, but Venezia clawed back to trail by just two at halftime, 34-32. The third quarter saw both teams trade baskets, but Schio’s ability to dominate the boards—outrebounding Venezia 45-20 for the game—began to grab its toll. By the conclude of the third, Schio held a slim 52-49 advantage.

The fourth quarter was where the championship was won. Schio’s Jessica Shepard, who led all scorers with 22 points, came alive in the final period, hitting crucial shots and pulling down key rebounds. Venezia, meanwhile, struggled with its shooting efficiency, converting just 34% from the field and 24% from three-point range. Despite a late surge that saw them outscore Schio 33-28 in the second half, Venezia couldn’t overcome the deficit, falling 70-64.

Key Turning Points: What Decided the Game

Several factors swung the momentum in Schio’s favor:

• Rebounding Dominance: Schio’s 45-20 rebounding advantage was the most glaring statistical disparity. The team’s ability to control the glass limited Venezia’s second-chance opportunities and created easy transition baskets for Schio.
• Defensive Pressure: Venezia’s aggressive defense forced 24 turnovers from Schio, but the team couldn’t capitalize enough on the resulting fast-break opportunities. Schio, by contrast, committed just nine turnovers and converted Venezia’s mistakes into 16 points off turnovers.
• Shooting Efficiency: Schio shot 46% from the field (50% from two-point range and 40% from three), while Venezia struggled to find its rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc (24%). The difference in three-point shooting—Schio’s 40% to Venezia’s 24%—proved critical in a game decided by six points.
• Free-Throw Accuracy: In a tight game, free throws often decide the outcome. Schio was nearly flawless from the line, converting 20 of 22 attempts (90%), while Venezia shot 72% (18 of 25). Those missed free throws left points on the board that Venezia desperately needed.

Standout Performances: Who Stepped Up

While the game was a team effort, a few players stood out for their contributions:

• Jessica Shepard (Famila Schio): The American forward was the game’s top performer, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists. Her leadership and clutch shooting in the fourth quarter were instrumental in securing the championship.
• Kaila Charles (Umana Reyer Venezia): Charles was Venezia’s most consistent performer, scoring 17 points and adding seven rebounds. Despite the loss, her two-way play kept Venezia in the game until the final buzzer.
• Giorgia Sottana (Umana Reyer Venezia): Sottana added 15 points and dished out five assists, but her shooting struggles from deep (1-of-5 from three) mirrored Venezia’s broader offensive woes.

Why This Championship Matters

For Famila Schio, the victory is the latest chapter in the club’s storied history. The team has long been a powerhouse in Italian women’s basketball, and this championship—its first since the 2022-23 season—reaffirms its dominance in the Serie A1. The win likewise solidifies Schio’s status as a contender in the EuroLeague Women, where the team will look to build on its strong performances in the 2025-26 campaign.

For Umana Reyer Venezia, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow, but the team’s run to the finals has signaled its arrival as a legitimate title contender. Venezia’s strong showing in the EuroLeague Women this season—including a quarter-final play-in victory over Schio earlier in April—hinted at the team’s potential, and the finals run has only heightened expectations for next season. The club’s ability to develop young talent and compete with Italy’s elite has not gone unnoticed, and the foundation is in place for future success.

The championship also carries broader implications for Italian women’s basketball. The Serie A1 has seen a surge in competitiveness in recent years, with teams like Venezia and Virtus Bologna challenging Schio’s long-standing dominance. The league’s growing visibility, both domestically and internationally, bodes well for the future of the sport in Italy.

What’s Next for Both Teams

For Famila Schio, the focus now shifts to celebrating the championship and preparing for next season. The team will look to build on its success in the EuroLeague Women, where it will aim to advance further than the quarter-finals. Schio’s roster is stacked with talent, and with key players like Shepard under contract, the team is well-positioned to remain a force in European basketball.

For Umana Reyer Venezia, the offseason will be a time for reflection and rebuilding. The team has shown it can compete with the best, but closing out tight games will be a priority moving forward. Venezia’s management will likely look to bolster the roster with targeted signings, particularly in the frontcourt, where rebounding was a weakness in the finals. The team’s strong fanbase and state-of-the-art facilities at Palasport Taliercio provide a solid foundation for continued growth.

Both teams will also participate in the Italian Supercup later this year, where they will face off against the winners of the Coppa Italia. The Supercup could provide an early opportunity for revenge—or redemption—depending on the outcome.

How to Follow the Teams

Fans looking to stay updated on both teams can follow their official channels:

• Famila Schio: Official Website | Twitter/X | Instagram
• Umana Reyer Venezia: Official Website | Twitter/X | Instagram

For live updates on Italian women’s basketball, including the Serie A1 and EuroLeague Women, fans can also follow FIBA’s official website and Lega Basket Femminile.

Key Takeaways

• Championship Decided in Game 3: Famila Schio defeated Umana Reyer Venezia 70-64 in the decisive Game 3 of the Serie A1 finals to win the 2025-26 title.
• Rebounding Was the Difference: Schio outrebounded Venezia 45-20, limiting second-chance opportunities and creating transition baskets.
• Jessica Shepard Led the Way: Shepard scored 22 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, earning finals MVP honors for her clutch performance.
• Venezia’s Shooting Struggles: Venezia shot just 34% from the field and 24% from three-point range, compared to Schio’s 46% and 40%, respectively.
• Free Throws Sealed It: Schio converted 90% of its free throws (20-of-22), while Venezia shot 72% (18-of-25).
• What’s Next: Both teams will look to build on their seasons, with Schio aiming for deeper runs in the EuroLeague Women and Venezia focusing on roster improvements for next year.

Final Thoughts

The 2025-26 Serie A1 finals will be remembered as one of the most competitive and hard-fought in recent memory. While Famila Schio emerged victorious, Umana Reyer Venezia proved it belongs among Italy’s elite, and the future looks bright for both teams. For fans of women’s basketball, this championship is a reminder of the growing talent and excitement in the sport, both in Italy and across Europe.

As the offseason begins, all eyes will be on how both teams prepare for next season. Will Schio defend its title, or will Venezia return stronger and hungrier? One thing is certain: the rivalry between these two teams is far from over.

What did you think of the finals? Who impressed you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to follow Archysport for more coverage of women’s basketball and other sports.