After a commanding 52-point victory over Hungary, Team USA faced backlash over Caitlin Clark not being in the starting lineup. Despite the dominating performance, fans are calling for changes.
Dan Dakich emphasized the success of relying on veteran players during the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. The team’s lineup choices have proven effective, leading to their advancement in the tournament.
Team USA vs. Spain: A Tight Battle
In a challenging semifinal, Team USA overcame Spain with a final score of 76-66. The game was tied 58-58 at the start of the fourth quarter before the Americans pulled away.
Breanna Stewart led with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Kahleah Copper contributed 13 points, while Jackie Young added 12 points, scoring six crucial points in the final quarter.
“Just continue to do the little things,” Stewart said post-game. “Honing in on the rebounding, making sure that we were getting to the offensive glass.”
Key Team Stats and Performance
Despite the win, Team USA struggled with 15 turnovers and only 9 assists. Caitlin Clark, not starting, finished with 1 point, 1 assist, and 1 rebound. Spain’s Maria Conde and Iyana Martín both scored 17 points, but the team only put up 8 points in the final quarter.
Coach Lawson Speaks Out
Coach Kara Lawson noted the need for precision and aggression as the game developed. She praised her team’s ability to stay composed under pressure.
The victory against Spain sets up a final against France. Stewart acknowledged France as a formidable opponent, expressing readiness to compete for gold.
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