BOCHUM, GERMANY — In a physical and tightly contested semifinal, Team USA’s undefeated run at the 2025 FISU World University Games came to an end with a 7-3 loss to Great Britain on Sunday morning at the Jahrhunderthalle. The Americans struggled to convert their looks in a low-scoring game dominated by defense, paint congestion, and transition pressure.

Jack Pierre, who contributed one of USA’s three points, reflected on the intensity and parity of the tournament after the game. “All the teams are built really well,” he said. “Team construction is a big part of it, and international ball is a lot different than the ball in the States. A lot more physical, a lot more speed. That made it so close — the physicality and the defense, especially in the paint.”

Both teams opened the game with aggressive defensive sets, forcing early misses. USA briefly led 1–0 after Pierre’s lone basket but trailed 3–1 just over two minutes in. The score tightened to 3–2 with just over five minutes remaining after Martrell Stevens hit one of two free throws. However, Great Britain closed the match on a 4–1 run to seal the result.

Stevens and Ryan Fitzpatrick each added a point for the Americans. Stevens’ free throw was the team’s only successful attempt from the line. Collectively, the U.S. offense faltered. The team shot just 2-of-14 from one-point range, missed all 11 of its two-point attempts, and went 1-for-3 on free throws. They also failed to record a single drive or dunk.

The lack of offensive rhythm was matched by Great Britain’s defensive poise. “You only get 12 seconds on the clock,” Pierre explained. “If you miss a shot, you don’t have time to get down on yourself. You’ve got to quickly turn around and play defense and stop them from getting to their spot. That quick turnaround is a big aspect.”

Alexander Marshall-Wilson led Great Britain with 4 points, six rebounds, and two assists. James Hazell, Shayne Humphries, and William Bishop each scored once, with Bishop pulling down a game-high five rebounds in under six minutes.

Despite being outshot and outscored, Team USA stayed active on the boards, collecting nine offensive rebounds to Great Britain’s three. Fitzpatrick led all players with 10 rebounds, while Stevens added three on both ends of the floor. But the second-chance opportunities rarely translated into points.

USA’s offensive drought extended through multiple scoreless stretches, and adjustments during timeouts couldn’t reverse the trend. “We come up with a game plan,” Pierre said, “but if something’s going sideways, the guy who’s out usually has a really good view of the court. We try to tell the guys in the game what we see and how to adjust during timeouts.”

USA committed five turnovers and managed just one key assist. The British side was more efficient, converting 6-of-17 from the field and registering four assists. They took the largest lead of the game at 7–3, with a four-point scoring run that spanned the final minutes.

The defeat sends the Americans to the bronze medal game later Sunday, where they will face the loser of the Spain–Japan semifinal. “Tough loss, but I think we’re doing pretty good,” Pierre said. “We just got to get back to our game plan, get back to what’s working. We’re gonna get some lunch, go chill a little bit, and then get straight back into it.”