The USA again conquered all by beating China 83-61 to win their fourth straight FIBA Women’s World Cup in Australia on Saturday.
An 11th title for the States as their dominance in international play continues. China were the latest victim but can hold its head high as they captured its first medal since 1994.
The final was the culminating chapter of a World Cup that boasted a total attendance of 145,519 accumulating from all games played at both the Sydney Superdome and the Sydney Sports Centre throughout the duration of the competition.
And a sell-out 15,895 crowd at the Superdome witnessed China keeping pace with the USA impressively until early in the second quarter, when the reigning champions visibly shifted up the gears at both ends.
A four-point play by Kelsey Plum sparked a strong run for the USA, who jumped into the box seat as they built a 43-33 advantage at the break and never looked back.
China is a very good basketball team,” said USA coach Cheryl Reeve.
“I have watched them grow up and I am happy they got the silver. We were really determined and defensively today we had 40 deflections. We had some great moments in the game and obviously, A’Ja Wilson was spectacular,”
Wilson and Chelsea Gray led the USA on the grandest stage, with the former dropping 19 points and pulling down five rebounds. Gray claimed 10 points and eight assists.
Wilson won tournament MVP for her efforts.
“It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, but I am blessed to be in this situation,” said Wilson. “I came here with a goal, and that was to get gold.”
Yueru Li had her best game of the competition for China with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds.
Earlier, hosts Australia beat Canada 95-65 to win bronze, ending Lauren Jackson’s illustrious career on a high note.
Photo: FIBA
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