USA Opens FIBA Women's World Cup With Victory Over Belgium

22 September 2022

USA 87, BEL 72

The USA Women's National Team began their quest for a fourth straight FIBA Women's World Cup title with an 87-72 victory over Belgium in Sydney. The U.S. was led by Breanna Stewart's game-high 22 points and Alyssa Thomas' near triple-double (14 points, nine assists, seven rebounds).

Joining Stewart and Thomas with 10-plus points were Jewell Loyd (14) and Kahleah Copper (11). Eight of the nine Americans to see action in the game scored.

The U.S. (1-0 in Group A) has won 23 games straight games at the Women's World Cup.

The full game box score is available here.

The postgame press conference is available here.

TEAM NOTES

Just Keep Swimming: The USA held Belgium scoreless for the first three minutes of the game and jumped to a quick 12-0 lead. Ariel Atkins scored the first World Cup basket for the U.S. on their first possession via a jump shot at the free throw line. The Americans did not trail in the game.

Mine! Mine! Mine!: The U.S. forced 25 Belgium turnovers in the game with 14 of them coming in the first half. As a result, the Americans scored 27 points off the Belgian miscues (10 in the first half).

Hot Shot: The U.S. shot 45.6% (30-66 FG) from the floor, 38.9% (7-18 3FG) from 3-point range and 87.0% (20-23 FT) from the line. Belgium shot 44.3% (27-61 FG) from the field, 40.7% (11-27 3FG) from three and 70.0% (7-10 FT) from the line.

PLAYER NOTES

You So Totally Rock: It was an impressive performance for Thomas, after joining the U.S. in Sydney Wednesday due to the WNBA Finals. In 28 minutes, the forward flirted with a triple-double by recording 14 points (6-10 FG), nine assists and seven rebounds.

Thank Youuuuuu: Stewart, USA's captain, was the offensive catalyst tonight. In addition to scoring a game-high 22 points on 8-for-18 shooting, she nearly set a new career-high for points in a World Cup game (23 vs. China on 9/23/18). She also had four rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks.

Assists are Friends: Playing with pace, the USA had 25 assists on 30 made baskets. Leading the way with a game-high nine dimes was Thomas. Atkins added six in the game. Eight of the nine Americans in the game recorded at least one assist.