USA Holds Off China In Battle of Unbeatens at the Women's World Cup

24 September 2022

USA 77, CHN 63

The USA (3-0) remains atop Group A at the 2022 FIBA World Cup after a triumphant 77-63 victory over previously undefeated China (2-1) in Sydney. The win makes the U.S. the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals.

The Americans held a double-digit lead for most of the game but China was competitive throughout. The Chinese pulled within single digits on two occasions (56-47, Q3; 69-60, Q4) during the second half but the U.S. locked in defensively in the fourth. The USA forced China into three shot clock violations during final 10 minutes and held on for the win.

The U.S. and China entered the game as two of the three remaining unbeaten teams (Canada, 2-0).

The U.S. has won 25 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

It's a Long Way to the Top: Entering the game, China was leading all World Cup teams with a 102.5 points per game average. The USA held China to 63 points and 41.0% shooting from the field. China was held to 16-or-less points in three of the four quarters.

Thunderstruck: Like the World Cup opener against Belgium, the U.S. had a quick start in tonight's game. Scoring the first 11 points of the game, the Americans held China scoreless for the first 2:43 of the game. Another pivotal run (13-0) for the USA came in the final 3:50 in the second quarter.

Highway to Help: The USA had 18 assists on 28 baskets. For the competition, they have 71 on 93 buckets (assist-to-FGM ratio of 76%). Meanwhile, the three U.S. opponents have a combined 46 assists.

Shoot to Thrill: The U.S. shot 39.0% (28-72 FG) from the floor, 37.0% (7-19 3FG) from 3-point range and 93.0% (14-15 FT) from the line. China shot 41.0% (25-61 FG) from the field, 47.0% (7-15 3FG) from three and 100.0% (6-6 FT) from the line.

PLAYER NOTES

Back in Black: The U.S. roster was at full strength for the first time this competition with the additions of the Las Vegas Aces trio of Chelsea Gray (12 points, six rebounds), Kelsey Plum (eight points) and A'ja Wilson (20 points, eight rebounds). The recent WNBA champions combined for 40 of the USA's 77 points.

Shook Me All Night Long: Captain Breanna Stewart's impact was felt on both ends of the court. She finished with eight points, nine rebounds, two steals and a block in 32 minutes.

High Voltage: The first American to score in double figures was Alyssa Thomas, who finished the night with 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists and five steals. Thomas has at least two steals in each game of the competition thus far for a total of 13.