USA Through to Knockout Stage at U23 Women’s Nations League Final
The United States qualified for the knockout stage at the FIBA 3x3 U23 Women’s Nations League Final with a 1-1 record on Wednesday in Constanta, Romania.
After losing the opening game to France, the Americans earned a 20-10 win against host nation Romania to punch its ticket to the quarterfinals.
The Americans jumped out to a 12-4 lead, and after a small resurgence by the Romanians to make the score 14-8, the USA ended the game on a 6-2 run. Madeline Westbeld led the United States with seven points and seven rebounds. Aaliyah Moore also contributed five points and six rebounds.
In their opening game, the United States dropped a heartbreaker to France (U21) in overtime, 18-17. After trailing 11-7 with three minutes remaining, the USA embarked on a furious 8-1 run to take a 15-12 lead with 42 seconds remaining. France closed the game on a 4-1 run behind a clutch two-pointer to force overtime, where France would score in back-to-back possessions to take the win. Westbeld scored five points and grabbed six boards to lead the United States.
The United States will play Lithuania (U21) on Friday in the quarterfinals. The game is scheduled to start at 8:05 a.m. ET.