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University 3x3 basketball team celebrates World Cup performance

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The University of Tasmania sent a confident and talented quartet to Brasília, Brazil, for the 2025 International University Sports Federation (FISU) University World Cup 3×3 Basketball, joining the world’s best university teams for three days of fast, physical and electrifying action.

Proudly representing both their university and their country, the Tasmanian side embraced the challenge of competing on one of international basketball’s biggest stages, advancing to the quarterfinals before being eliminated from the competition, which ran from 14-16 November.

The University of Tasmania women's 3x3 basketball team, left to right: coach Anthony Stewart, Hope Brooks, Claire Murray, Emerson Wells, Sharna Thompson, sports coordinator Kate Harland.
The University of Tasmania women's 3x3 basketball team, left to right: coach Anthony Stewart, Hope Brooks, Claire Murray, Emerson Wells, Sharna Thompson, sports coordinator Kate Harland.

University of Tasmania Team:

  • Sharna Thompson — Bachelor of Education (Primary)
  • Hope Brooks — Bachelor of Education (Primary)
  • Claire Murray — Bachelor of Nursing
  • Emerson Wells — Bachelor of Paramedicine

Competing on the iconic half-court at the Brasília TV Tower complex, the University of Tasmania faced opponents from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa.

The Tasmanian team displayed resilience and composure throughout pool play, finishing the group stage with one win and one loss to progress to the "Round of 16" sudden-death series.

The University of Tasmania's Claire Murray competing in the 2025 FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball quarterfinal against the Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
The University of Tasmania's Claire Murray competing in the 2025 FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball quarterfinal against the Huazhong University of Science and Technology.

Pool Results – Pool D

  • University of Tasmania 12 – 20 Chinese Culture University (TPE)
  • University of Tasmania 15 – 6 University of Azuay (ECU)

Entering the knockout stage, University of Tasmania lifted their intensity and delivered one of their strongest performances of the tournament. In a composed and clinical display, they defeated the University of Chile to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

Round of 16

  • University of Tasmania 21 – 13 University of Chile (CHI)

In the quarterfinals, Tasmania faced a formidable opponent in Huazhong University of Science and Technology (CHN). Despite a determined effort, the Tasmanian team was outpaced by a polished and physical Chinese side, bringing their impressive run to a close.

The University of Tasmania's Emerson Wells dodges a player from Huazhong University of Science and Technology during the quarterfinals of the 2025 FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball in Brazil.
The University of Tasmania's Emerson Wells dodges a player from Huazhong University of Science and Technology during the quarterfinals of the 2025 FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball in Brazil.

Quarterfinals

  • University of Tasmania 8 – 22 Huazhong University of Science and Technology (CHN)

For the University of Tasmania, competing at the FISU World Cup is a significant milestone. The event brings together student athletes from around the world, who balance their demanding study commitments with elite sport training, and the Tasmanian team demonstrated their dedication to that balance throughout their campaign.

The squad embraced the international atmosphere, connecting with athletes from around the world and gaining invaluable experience in a format that continues to grow as one of basketball’s most dynamic global disciplines.

University of Tasmania’s impressive performance in Brasília highlights the rapidly growing strength of 3×3 basketball at the University of Tasmania, and the opportunities available for student athletes to compete internationally.

Their experience will not only elevate the program but will also serve as an inspiration for future University of Tasmania competitors who want to follow in their footsteps.