USA Victorious Over Puerto Rico at Women's World Cup

23 September 2022

USA 106, PUR 42

The USA moved to 2-0 in Group A at the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup after defeating Puerto Rico 106-42 in Sydney. The Americans were led by six double-digit scorers in Shakira Austin (19), Kahleah Copper (18), Brionna Jones (13), Jewell Loyd (12), Breanna Stewart (11) and Alyssa Thomas (11).

USA hit the century mark for the first time in the competition behind 54% shooting from the field. The game featured a U.S. 16-0 run during an impressive third quarter where the Americans outscored Puerto Rico 26-6.

The U.S. has won 24 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

I Like It! Another!: The U.S. accounted for 10 of their 13 steals in the first half. The USA had 11 in their opener against Belgium. A defensive menace, Thomas had six steals in the game (eight total through two games). The U.S. individual record for steals in a game is seven by Cheryl Miller (vs. Hungary in 1996), but Thomas' six were the most since Tamika Catchings (6 vs. Russia in 2002).

I Knew It: The USA continue to share the ball, racking up 28 assists on 35 field goals made. Against Belgium, the U.S. had 25 assists to 30 baskets. For the entire competition, the assist-to-FGM ratio is 82% (53-65).

That's What Heroes Do: The U.S. shot 54.0% (35-65 FG) from the floor, 41.0% (7-17 3FG) from 3-point range and 78.0% (29-37 FT) from the line. Puerto Rico shot 21.0% (13-63 FG) from the field, 17.0% (4-24 3FG) from three and 80.0% (12-15 FT) from the line.

PLAYER NOTES

What Do We Have Here?: The U.S. scored 47 points off the bench tonight, led by Austin's double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Jones nearly had a double-double as well, finishing with 15 points and nine rebounds as a reserve.

I Went For The Lead: A Copper free throw with 6:21 remaining in the second quarter put the USA ahead 34-11. The 23-point margin surpassed the largest advantage the U.S. held against Belgium (22). The American lead would balloon to as many as 64 tonight as Copper finished with 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Friends From Work: Teammates on the WNBA's Seattle Storm, the duo of Loyd (12) and Stewart (11) combined for 20-plus points against Puerto Rico on a combined 6-for-12 shooting. In the game against Belgium, Loyd (14) and Stewart (22) combined for 28 points.