MESA, Ariz. – Four members of the Fairfield University Women's Basketball team gained an invaluable experience as they put themselves on the national stage competing in the 3X3 USA Basketball Showcase in Mesa, Ariz. The Fairfield team comprised of
Meghan Andersen,
Kaety L'Amoreaux,
Jillian Huerter, and Lana McCarthy won two games in the showcased and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament.
"It was an honor to watch our student-athletes compete at such a high level for USA Basketball," Head Coach
Carly Thibault-DuDonis said. "Not only did we reach the semi-finals and took a step forward from last year, but we were very balanced on offense and showed some toughness on the defensive end. Ultimately, this was another incredible opportunity for our student-athletes to prove they can compete with anyone in the country and they did just that."
The Stags started their stay with a convincing 21-6 victory over Stephen F. Austin, one of the highest winning margins in pool play. Fairfield would later defeat Arizona State 17-12 in the quarterfinals before falling to the eventual tournament champions Phoenix in the semifinals.
In total, Fairfield would score 80 points while averaging 16.0 per contest, the fourth-highest in the field.
Different than 5-on-5, 3x3 was played on a half-court with a 10-minute game clock and 12-second shot clock. Play was continuous, as teams "clear" the ball behind the 2-point line following a made basket, defensive rebound or steal. The first team to score 21 points via 1-point field goals or 2-pointers behind the arc were victorious; or if time expires then the team leading wins.
This was Fairfield's second-straight spring competing in the national showcase.
Fairfield is coming off their third-straight MAAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance while elevating their spot as one of the premiere women's basketball programs in the country. Fairfield has received votes in the Associated Press (AP) Top-25 national poll in three-straight campaigns including placing No. 25 in last year's poll.
