Team USA and Texas Tech’s Shelby Hilliard Dominate Finland 77–62, Eye Semifinal Glory Against Hungary With Fierce Momentum

Team USA’s U18 women’s basketball team continued its march toward international dominance with a commanding 77–62 quarterfinal victory over Finland at the FIBA U18 Women’s European Challenger. Leading the charge? None other than Texas Tech-bound standout Shelby Hilliard, who showed exactly why she’s becoming one of the most talked-about names in American basketball circles.

The victory not only propelled the United States into the semifinals, where they will face Hungary, but also offered a showcase of grit, cohesion, and the kind of defensive tenacity that separates gold-medal contenders from the rest of the pack.

For Hilliard, who has been the team’s metronome throughout the tournament, this game was a masterclass in versatility. She finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in 31 minutes of action. What set her performance apart wasn’t just the stats, but the moments in which they came. Her intensity on both ends of the court was contagious. When Finland threatened to claw back into the game late in the third quarter, Hilliard dug in defensively, forced a turnover, and then buried a three-pointer on the other end. Momentum swung instantly—and never returned to Finland.

“I just play with my heart,” Hilliard said after the game. “We trust each other, we know our assignments, and I’m just proud of how we stayed locked in today.”

Finland, for their part, didn’t roll over. They shot a respectable 40% from the field and were led by Riikka Väisänen, whose 16 points and 7 rebounds kept the game competitive through stretches. But the Finnish side simply couldn’t match Team USA’s depth or physicality over four quarters.

From the opening tip, the Americans asserted themselves. The first quarter ended 23–14 in favor of the red, white, and blue, with Hilliard and fellow starter Kendall Jackson combining for 15 of those points. The defense swarmed Finland’s pick-and-roll action, rotating seamlessly and closing off driving lanes. By halftime, Team USA led 39–27, and Finland had already committed 12 turnovers.

Credit must go to head coach Joni Taylor and her staff, who have instilled a clear identity into this young squad. “We’re not just here to win,” Taylor said. “We’re here to represent. And the way we do that is through effort, discipline, and togetherness.”

That philosophy was on full display in the third quarter. Finland adjusted to try a 2-3 zone to slow the pace, but Hilliard immediately found the soft spot in the middle and attacked. The Texas Tech recruit sliced through defenders and created open looks for teammates. One such assist to Amaya Hunter for a corner three ballooned the lead to 18 and forced a Finnish timeout.

The fourth quarter was more of the same. Finland cut the lead to 10 with six minutes remaining, but the USA bench delivered. Olivia Martinez scored six straight points off the bench—including a circus and-one layup that brought the crowd to their feet. The Americans clamped down defensively from there and closed the game on a 12–7 run.

Statistically, Team USA shot 47.8% from the field, 36% from three-point range, and converted 13 of 17 free throws. They outrebounded Finland 42–29 and forced 19 turnovers, turning those into 24 points. It was a complete effort, marked by balance—four players scored in double figures—and defensive hustle.

What makes this team special, according to Taylor, is their “professionalism at a young age.” That certainly applies to Shelby Hilliard. The 6-foot guard has been more than just a scorer; she’s been a vocal leader, a defensive anchor, and a calming presence when opponents go on runs. It’s no wonder Texas Tech fans are already buzzing about her arrival in Lubbock.

“She’s just different,” said Coach Taylor. “She leads with her actions, but she’s not afraid to speak when the moment calls for it. That’s rare.”

As the team turns its attention to the semifinals, a new challenge looms: Hungary. The host nation has surged through the tournament behind standout guard Blanka Kovács and boasts a stifling zone defense. Their 69–65 win over Spain in the quarterfinals turned heads and proved that this isn’t a team content with just making it this far.

But Team USA is ready. Hilliard’s focus has already shifted.

“We respect Hungary a lot,” she said. “They play fast, they’re physical, and they’ve got some shooters. But we’ll be ready. We’ve got depth, we’ve got heart, and we’ve got each other.”

To prepare, the Americans will conduct a film session and light walkthrough before taking the court in tomorrow’s semifinal. Coach Taylor emphasized the importance of pace and decision-making against Hungary’s 2-1-2 trap, which has disrupted opposing backcourts throughout the tournament. She’s confident that with players like Hilliard orchestrating from the top, the team can handle the pressure and create high-quality looks.

One key to victory may be rebounding. Against Spain, Hungary grabbed 14 offensive boards and turned many into second-chance points. The USA frontcourt—led by 6-foot-3 forward Laila Jenkins—will need to control the glass and prevent easy putbacks.

“This semifinal is going to be a battle,” Taylor said. “But that’s what you want at this level. Iron sharpens iron.”

Beyond the tactical adjustments, there’s a growing emotional intensity to each game now. A loss ends the dream. A win brings you one step closer to a gold medal and a place in history. That weight isn’t lost on the players, and especially not on Hilliard.

“I grew up dreaming of moments like this,” she said. “Wearing USA on your chest, playing for something bigger than yourself—it’s surreal. But we’re not done yet.”

The arena in Sopron, Hungary, is expected to be packed with home fans for the semifinal, but Team USA has shown it can handle hostile environments. Their composure, depth, and defensive identity have been their trademark throughout the tournament. If they can impose their will early and control the pace, there’s no reason they can’t punch their ticket to the final.

Looking ahead, potential opponents in the gold medal game include France and Italy—two strong European sides with professional-level talent. But first comes Hungary. And as far as Shelby Hilliard is concerned, that’s the only game that matters.

“We’re locked in,” she said. “It’s one game at a time. Right now, Hungary is the only team in our way.”

Team USA’s journey is far from over, but with players like Hilliard leading the charge, it’s hard not to believe they’re on a path to greatness. And if tomorrow goes like today, they’ll be one step closer to bringing home the gold.

Tipoff for the USA-Hungary semifinal is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. local time tomorrow. All eyes will be on Hilliard and her teammates as they look to keep the dream alive—and inspire a new generation of American basketball stars in the process.