Bochum, Germany — Team USA wasted no time making its presence felt in the opening game of the women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball tournament at the 2025 FISU World University Games. In a clinical and commanding performance, the U.S. defeated Brazil 19–1 in Pool A play on Thursday afternoon at the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum.

The match marked the first appearance for both teams in this historic tournament, where 3×3 wheelchair basketball is being included in the FISU Games for the first time. With the sport’s international debut coming only three years ago at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the addition of 3×3 to the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 program signals a major step forward for para-sport inclusion at the university level.

“It’s super cool to be part of history for wheelchair basketball, particularly for 3×3,” said Elizabeth Becker, one of four athletes on the U.S. squad. “To be part of the first group to ever do it—I’m excited for the awareness of wheelchair basketball as a whole.”

Team USA entered the game with a four-athlete roster and a clear focus on defensive intensity and rebounding — and it showed. The Americans held Brazil scoreless for the first five minutes of regulation and allowed just a single point across the full 10-minute contest. They outrebounded Brazil 23 to 8 and recorded 14 offensive boards, effectively limiting Brazil to one-shot possessions while controlling the pace of play.

Anesia Glascoe led the way with 10 points and 9 rebounds. She shot 9-for-17 from the field and added a block, a steal, and three key highlights credited in the tournament’s statistical formula. Her strong interior presence gave Team USA a reliable scoring option in the paint and disrupted Brazil’s rhythm throughout.

Hannah Exline added 9 points on 9-for-17 shooting and contributed five rebounds. She and Glascoe were responsible for all of Team USA’s scoring, combining for an 18-for-37 shooting performance from inside the arc. Exline’s quick release and movement off the ball allowed the U.S. to maintain pressure on the Brazilian defense throughout the shot clock.

Marlee Wagstaff and Becker shared the floor time as the third player in Team USA’s rotation. Wagstaff contributed one rebound in just over four minutes of play, while Becker added two more boards in nearly six minutes. Both players helped close out defensive possessions and ensured smooth ball movement during substitutions and resets.

Brazil’s only point came from Paula Letícia Ricardo Silva, who scored midway through the second half. Brazil shot just 13% overall, committed 20 turnovers, and failed to convert a single shot from beyond the arc or the free throw line. They were also held without an assist.

Becker noted that Thursday’s win helped settle the team into its tournament environment. “It gave us a confidence boost, to see what the court is like, the energy and the loudness,” she said. “I think we need to be aware that the competition is going to be harder in the next game.”

Team USA opened the game on a 14–0 run and led by as many as 18 points — the largest margin allowed under the 3×3 game cap before triggering a potential early ending under the 21-point rule. Although the U.S. did not hit the 21-point mark before time expired, the final scoreline was decisive.

Looking ahead, Becker expects stiffer challenges. “It looks like Germany because they have height, but I also think Spain is going to be good,” she said.

With the victory, the United States moves to 1–0 in Pool A play. They return to action later today against Germany and will face Spain tomorrow as round-robin play continues.