By R.L. Bynum
Alyssa Ustby delivered standout performances throughout the FIBA 3×3 Series Bucharest Stop, helping lead Seattle 3XBA to the championship game on Sunday before falling just short against a tough Azerbaijan squad.
On a challenging final day on Sunday, Ustby and fellow former UNC player Carlie Littlefield led Seattle to a pair of victories to earn a spot in the championship game in Romania.
In a battle of the only two unbeaten teams of the 16 in the event, Azerbaijan pulled out a 21–18 victory in the championship game despite team-high totals of five field goals and four rebounds from Ustby.
Ustby wrapped up the event with impressive individual numbers — second among all players in total rebounds (30) and highlights (14), and third in both player value (36.2) and key assists (7). She also tied for fourth in scoring with 29 points, while teammate Sydney Taylor finished second with 34.
Down by three in the championship game, Littlefield — who had four field goals — pulled Seattle within two at 19–17, and Ustby did the same on a drive to make it 20–18, but Azerbaijan finished scoring the game’s last two field goals to put away the victory.
Earlier in the day, Seattle earned a hard-fought 16–13 quarterfinal victory over Poland behind four field goals and four assists from Ustby. In the semifinals, Seattle rolled to a 21–13 victory over Ukraine behind Ustby’s seven field goals and nine rebounds.
Photos courtesy of FIBA
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