USA Makes History in World Cup Final Victory Over Australia
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TENERIFE, SPAIN — The U.S. Women’s National Team made history Sunday afternoon, defeating Australia, 73-56, to take home its third straight FIBA World Cup title for the first time ever.
Phoenix Mercury teammates Brittney Griner (15 PTS) and Diana Taurasi (13 PTS) led the USA to victory, with 2018 WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart (10 PTS) also reaching double figures.
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The U.S. jumped out in front early, starting the game on a 13-2 run, with 10 of those points coming from Taurasi. Australia settled by the end of the quarter though and cut their deficit to 5 points. Although the Opals squad did their best to establish the offense, it was no match for the American’s defensive pressure. The U.S. ended the first half with a 35-27 lead and never looked back.
It was all gas, no breaks from the start of the second half on, with Griner dropping 11 PTS in the third quarter, helping the USA outscore Australia, 26-11. While Australia’s offense continued to struggle, the Americans only seemed to get stronger and they closed out the third with a 61-38 lead. Ultimately the USABWNT sealed the win with every player on the 12-woman roster notching points. It was a complete team effort from start to finish which led the United States to secure the FIBA World Cup gold once again.
Your #FIBAWWC 2018 All-Star Five!
? @DianaTaurasi ???
? @EmmaMeesseman ???
? @ECambage ???
? @NdouraStou ???
? @BreannaStewart ???Big round of applause ???
? RT to congratulate them! pic.twitter.com/JLczJEYYoL— FIBA (@FIBA) September 30, 2018
Brittney Griner was named the MVP of the championship game after matching up against the tournament’s leading scorer Liz Cambage throughout the game. Griner held Cambage to just seven points in their tough defensive battle.
Breanna Stewart added yet another trophy to her case, being named the 2018 FIBA World Cup TISSOT MVP. Stewart averaged 16.3 PPG, shot 58% from the field and 47% from three throughout the entire tournament.
History was made once again for Sue Bird, who passed head coach Dawn Staley (103) to become the USA Basketball Women’s National Team all-time leader in assists (107).
Bird to Taurasi… How many times have we seen this? ? #PhantomCam @S10Bird passed her coach, @dawnstaley, for most assists in @usabasketball history with this pass! #FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/seZ93kfcs3
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 30, 2018
In winning the 2018 FIBA World Cup title, the United States has now earned an automatic bid to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
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Catch up on all the latest from the World Cup here.