BOCHUM, GERMANY — A late scoring surge by Spain proved decisive as the United States dropped its final pool play game at the 2025 FISU World University Games, falling 11–6 in a gritty battle Friday evening at Jahrhunderthalle. Despite a strong defensive effort and a balanced scoring output, Team USA could not overcome costly turnovers and missed opportunities down the stretch.

The result moved both teams to 2–1 in Pool A, but Spain’s superior point differential vaulted them into the top semifinal seed. Team USA will now regroup as it heads into Sunday’s semifinal round.

The Americans briefly led 1–0 on Anesia Glascoe’s opening basket, but Spain quickly equalized and never trailed again. Spain appeared to pull away from the Americans, but the U.S. women rallied late into regulation time. Hannah Exline’s one-point shot off a Glascoe assist at the 8:46 mark cut the deficit to 7–6, but Spain responded with four unanswered points to close out the game.

Glascoe led Team USA with three points, seven rebounds, and two assists. She attacked the glass relentlessly, securing five defensive boards and creating second-chance opportunities with her physical play near the basket. Her presence was key to keeping the U.S. in contention throughout the game.

With eight seconds remaining and the outcome no longer in doubt, Glascoe was knocked to the ground during a contested sequence and had to be helped off the court. The medical staff appeared to be tending to her left shoulder. As one of Team USA’s most impactful players—both statistically and as a vocal leader—her status will be critical heading into the knockout round. Any limitation to her availability could have significant implications for the team’s medal hopes.

Exline added two points and three rebounds, while Elizabeth Becker converted her lone field goal attempt. Marlee Wagstaff saw limited action, having only a single field-goal attempt.

Team USA shot just 32% from the field (6-for-19) and went 0-for-2 at the free throw line. Turnovers proved costly, as the U.S. committed 11 to Spain’s six. Spain also held a 14–10 advantage on the boards and finished with four assists to Team USA’s two.

Beatriz Zudaire García delivered the knockout blows in the final two minutes, scoring three straight baskets—including two late drives—that stretched Spain’s lead to 10–6. She finished with six points, four rebounds, and three assists in a standout all-around performance. Sara Revuelta García and Sindy Ramos Martinez each added two points, while Naiara Rodríguez Resa chipped in one point and recorded one assist.

The game remained competitive for much of the 10-minute contest, with both teams trading defensive stops and battling for control. Team USA’s resilience was on display as Exline, Glascoe, and Becker each contributed to key scoring possessions. Glascoe opened the game with a putback after her own miss, later assisted on Exline’s one-point shot from the wing, and set up Becker for a conversion that brought the U.S. within two at 7–5.

Spain capitalized on a series of late-game errors, converting extra possessions into points and managing the clock effectively. The Americans missed six straight shots before Exline’s basket and were unable to recover as the clock wound down.

Despite the loss, the U.S. advances to the semifinal round and remains in medal contention. The team will need to tighten its offensive execution and take better care of the ball as it prepares for Sunday’s elimination games. Glascoe’s injury status will be a key storyline heading into the knockout phase, as her presence could be crucial to Team USA’s chances at a podium finish.

The semifinals are scheduled for Sunday morning, with matchups to be confirmed following the conclusion of pool play.