University of North Carolina Athletics
Duo Of Littlefield & Ustby Lead Seattle 3XBA To Second Place At Bucharest Stop
July 15, 2025 | Women's Basketball
BUCHAREST, Romania – Rattling off six wins at the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series stop in Bucharest this past weekend, the duo of former Tar Heels in Carlie Littlefield and Alyssa Ustby assisted the Seattle 3XBA squad to a second-place finish.
Ustby made a splash in Romania, wrapping the weekend with a total of 30 rebounds for the second most on the stop and third among all players with seven key assists. Littlefield averaged 3.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in Bucharest.
Littlefield and Ustby along with their Seattle 3XBA teammates, rattled off six straight wins before ultimately falling to Azerbaijan in a tight 21-18 contest in the final.
"I had such a great time playing for 3XBA this past weekend in Bucharest," said Littlefield "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity that 3xBA provided to compete at a high level internationally and continue developing my game."Â
Ustby reiterated the sentiment, "Playing in Bucharest, Romania this past weekend was an incredible experience. There were teams representing 15 different countries. Along with great competition was being able to spend time with these athletes from all over the world off the court."
Following her time at UNC, Littlefield has ventured throughout the European pro circuit with stops in Belgium, Slovakia, Israel and Romania.
"For athletes like me who are training solo right now, the 3x3 format is such a valuable way to stay sharp, challenge yourself, and connect with other high-level players," said Littlefield. "Even though we were disappointed not to come away with the win in the Finals, our team was proud of the growth we made throughout the tournament and felt like we really represented what 3XBA is all about."
The growing sport and the 3XBA are looking to create a pipeline for USA Basketball in 3x3 play. Since the sport's Olympic inception in 2020, the United States has medaled the last two summer games.
"3x3 basketball is still a relatively new format, with limited chances to learn and grow in it, but that's changing fast thanks to the 3XBA," said Ustby. "This organization is creating real opportunities for everyone from young girls to seasoned pros. And if you're the type of player who does a little bit of everything on the court, this game is for you."
Teaming up for the first time since the 2021-22 season, Littlefield and Ustby were integral in Carolina's run to the 2022 Sweet 16. The duo started in all 32 games together for the Tar Heels en route to a 25-win season.
"One of the biggest highlights for me was getting to play with Alyssa again—and being roommates for the weekend made it even better. We only had one season together in college, so it was really special to be back on the court with someone who's not just a relentless competitor, but also an incredible person," remarked Littlefield. "I feel like we're wired the same in a lot of ways, and I'm hopeful we'll get the chance to keep teaming up in this format."
Echoing her teammate, Ustby remarked on the joy playing again with Littlefield brought.
"One of the best surprises was finding out that my teammate for the tournament was none other than Carlie Littlefield… someone I know all too well from our days at UNC!!!! Having played together before, we naturally understood each other's game, and it showed on the court."
Stay up to date with the latest North Carolina women's basketball news on X at @UNCWBB, Instagram @UNCWBB and Facebook at Carolina Women's Basketball.Â
Ustby made a splash in Romania, wrapping the weekend with a total of 30 rebounds for the second most on the stop and third among all players with seven key assists. Littlefield averaged 3.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in Bucharest.
Littlefield and Ustby along with their Seattle 3XBA teammates, rattled off six straight wins before ultimately falling to Azerbaijan in a tight 21-18 contest in the final.
"I had such a great time playing for 3XBA this past weekend in Bucharest," said Littlefield "I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity that 3xBA provided to compete at a high level internationally and continue developing my game."Â
Ustby reiterated the sentiment, "Playing in Bucharest, Romania this past weekend was an incredible experience. There were teams representing 15 different countries. Along with great competition was being able to spend time with these athletes from all over the world off the court."
Following her time at UNC, Littlefield has ventured throughout the European pro circuit with stops in Belgium, Slovakia, Israel and Romania.
"For athletes like me who are training solo right now, the 3x3 format is such a valuable way to stay sharp, challenge yourself, and connect with other high-level players," said Littlefield. "Even though we were disappointed not to come away with the win in the Finals, our team was proud of the growth we made throughout the tournament and felt like we really represented what 3XBA is all about."
The growing sport and the 3XBA are looking to create a pipeline for USA Basketball in 3x3 play. Since the sport's Olympic inception in 2020, the United States has medaled the last two summer games.
"3x3 basketball is still a relatively new format, with limited chances to learn and grow in it, but that's changing fast thanks to the 3XBA," said Ustby. "This organization is creating real opportunities for everyone from young girls to seasoned pros. And if you're the type of player who does a little bit of everything on the court, this game is for you."
Teaming up for the first time since the 2021-22 season, Littlefield and Ustby were integral in Carolina's run to the 2022 Sweet 16. The duo started in all 32 games together for the Tar Heels en route to a 25-win season.
"One of the biggest highlights for me was getting to play with Alyssa again—and being roommates for the weekend made it even better. We only had one season together in college, so it was really special to be back on the court with someone who's not just a relentless competitor, but also an incredible person," remarked Littlefield. "I feel like we're wired the same in a lot of ways, and I'm hopeful we'll get the chance to keep teaming up in this format."
Echoing her teammate, Ustby remarked on the joy playing again with Littlefield brought.
"One of the best surprises was finding out that my teammate for the tournament was none other than Carlie Littlefield… someone I know all too well from our days at UNC!!!! Having played together before, we naturally understood each other's game, and it showed on the court."
Stay up to date with the latest North Carolina women's basketball news on X at @UNCWBB, Instagram @UNCWBB and Facebook at Carolina Women's Basketball.Â
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