BORDEAUX, France (Aug. 21, 2025) – Following five consecutive victories to open their fourth 2025 FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Stop this summer, the USA bowed out in the semifinals on Aug. 21 in Bordeaux, France.
To commence their second day of play, the Americans squared off against Rome (ITA) in their first match of the knockout stage.
Backed by 3 points from Cierra Burdick and two inside hoops from Taylor Jones, the Americans began their stint in the quarterfinals with a 5-1 edge. Rome’s Caterina Gilli fired back with a deep loon from 2-point range but Burdick and Jones kept the USA’s fire stoked with a driving layup, free throw and jumper to push ahead 8-3.
Despite the deficit, the Romans did not capitulate. The Italians retaliated with a swift 4-0 run to put pressure on the Americans but it was too little, too late. Charisma Osborne made a free throw to make it a 10-8 contest, and the Romans missed their final 2-point attempt of the evening.
In the 2-tally win, Burdick shined with 6 points and 9 rebounds. Jones, the steady presence inside, corralled 12 boards to go along with her 3 points.
The USA’s final tilt of the tournament came against familiar foe Canada, which entered the contest with the circuit’s No. 1 ranking and three straight wins.
The score seesawed for the first 3:30 of action before Canada’s Katherine Plouffe and Paige Crozon executed on a corkscrew layup and 2-pointer from the left wing to balloon their group’s lead from 5-4 to 8-4.
Canada would add two more bunnies to make it 10-4 before Burdick halted the run with a spinning layup through contact. The Canadian’s interior forces, however, proved the difference.
The United States kept it within 4 or 5 points for the next few minutes but Canada continued to attack. They led by as many as 8 points in the waning minutes en route to a 20-15 win. Jones recorded 6 points while Burdick and Linnae Harper each scored 4.