Team USA moved within two victories of a fifth straight FIBA Women’s World Cup gold medal after crushing Hungary 108-56 in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
The Americans, heavy favorites entering the game, took control from the opening tip and never let up. The lead grew so large so quickly that head coach Kara Lawson was able to empty her bench, and all 12 players on the roster scored at least once.
Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who often draw attention as rivals in the WNBA, started the game on the bench but showed strong chemistry once they entered together, connecting on a series of assists and baskets.
Reese finished with nine points and six assists in just under 18 minutes. Clark added 10 points and nine assists in 20 minutes on the floor. Napheesa Collier led all scorers with 19 points.
Ball movement defined the night for the Americans, who set a new FIBA World Cup record with 31 assists as a team. Five different players recorded at least three assists in the win.
Team USA had topped its group during the early rounds of the tournament but was tested by Italy in its last game before elimination play, escaping with a narrow 55-53 win. Thursday’s result was a sharp contrast, with the 52-point margin standing as the team’s largest of the tournament so far.
Team USA will face the winner of Australia-Spain in the semifinals on Saturday. The Americans sit atop the FIBA World Rankings, while Australia is ranked third and Spain sixth.
