The United States women’s national basketball team secured their spot in the FIBA Women’s World Cup final by overcoming Spain with a 76-66 victory on Saturday in Berlin. The Americans faced a challenging contest, with the score tied at 58-58 heading into the fourth quarter, before ultimately pulling away.
The win extends Team USA’s World Cup winning streak, which dates back to 2006. This marks the fifth consecutive time the United States has reached the tournament’s final, where they will now face France.
Fourth-Quarter Surge Secures Victory
Spain maintained pressure throughout the game, even holding a 13-4 lead midway through the first quarter. At halftime, the US held a narrow 39-36 advantage. Spain managed to erase the deficit in the third quarter, with María Conde and Iyana Martín contributing three-pointers, leading to the tied score entering the final period.
However, Team USA found their rhythm in the fourth quarter, outscoring Spain 18-8. Kahleah Copper and Jackie Young initiated the scoring in the final period, with Breanna Stewart helping to create further separation. The Americans extended their lead to eight points with just over six minutes remaining, and Young’s steal and layup pushed the score to 76-64 with 1:42 left in the game.
Breanna Stewart led Team USA with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Kahleah Copper added 13 points, and Jackie Young contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds, with 6 of her points coming in the decisive fourth quarter. For Spain, María Conde and Iyana Martín each scored 17 points.
Despite the victory, Team USA’s performance included some struggles, as they shot 40% from the field and made only 3 of 18 attempts from beyond the three-point line. The team also committed 15 turnovers and recorded only 9 assists. Caitlin Clark, who came off the bench, finished with 1 point, 1 assist, and 1 rebound, missing all three of her field goal attempts.
Coaches and Players Reflect on Performance
Head coach Kara Lawson emphasized the team’s defensive effort in the fourth quarter, noting that they held Spain to just eight points. Lawson stated that the team was “precise and locked in” in every phase of defense, from guarding the ball to boxing out and limiting second-chance opportunities.
Stewart highlighted the importance of sticking to fundamentals under pressure, focusing on rebounding and offensive glass. She also acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “This is going to be challenging, and obviously we have the biggest one tomorrow. But that’s what we’re here. We’re going for gold, and that’s what we’re going to do.”
Aliyah Boston, participating in her first World Cup, described the game as having an NCAA Final Four atmosphere. She noted that in such tournaments, winning is the priority, regardless of how “pretty” the game is. Boston praised the team’s rotations and energy from all players.
Anticipated Final Matchup Against France
The upcoming final against France is highly anticipated and will be a rematch of the 2024 Olympic gold medal game. In that previous encounter, the US secured a narrow 67-66 victory. Stewart described France as a “really tough team.”
Kahleah Copper expressed her excitement for the final matchup, stating, “I think it’s two great teams going to go head-to-head. You know I’m excited for the matchup. I’m excited for us to be able to compete.” The final is scheduled for Sunday.
Source: foxnews.com
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