USA’s Journey at the FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup Concludes: A Recap by University of Tennessee Athletics

The FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup in Xiong’an, China, recently concluded for the USA women’s team. They faced The Netherlands in the quarterfinals and lost 21-14. Zee Spearman, a senior from the University of Tennessee, stood out once again, scoring six points in the match and finishing the tournament with a total of 32 points. This placed her among the top ten scorers out of 80 players.

In a tough game filled with aggression—16 fouls were called—the USA team couldn’t overcome an early lead by The Netherlands, who were ahead by as much as 10 points. Spearman fought back with a late basket, narrowing the gap to five points, but The Netherlands secured the win with two final scores.

Earlier in the tournament, on September 19, the USA team had mixed results. They lost to Spain 18-12, despite Spearman being the team’s top scorer with five points. In their second game, they rallied to beat Chile 20-18, thanks to Spearman’s ten-point performance, which included several critical shots in the finale.

Throughout the first day of the tournament, the USA dominated against Mexico and the Philippines, winning both games. Spearman’s contributions helped her team maintain a strong position in their pool.

Historically, 3×3 basketball was added to the Olympic roster in 2021 and has gained fans worldwide. It’s fast-paced, played on a half court, and requires teams to score 21 points or have the lead at the end of ten minutes. This style appeals to younger audiences who enjoy the quick action.

Social media has buzzed with reactions about the tournament. Fans engaged with highlights and posted their support for athletes like Spearman, who showcased her talent on a global stage. Tweets and posts highlighted not just the scores but also the spirit and teamwork displayed throughout the games.

With the global popularity of 3×3 basketball, it may influence how future tournaments are structured. Statistically, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has reported a significant rise in youth participation in 3×3 since its Olympic debut, reflecting a growing interest in this dynamic format. Research indicates that participation in 3×3 basketball is expected to continue its upward trend, particularly among younger athletes.

For more details on the tournament and to catch future events, visit the official FIBA 3×3 website [here](https://fiba3x3.com/2025/u23worldcup).

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