Breanna Stewart put up 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists as the United States cruised past the Czech Republic 105-64 on Monday to complete a sweep of Group D at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.
The United States (3-0) defeated China, Italy and the Czech Republic in a span of four days to earn a berth straight to the quarterfinals along with the other group winners: Spain, France and Belgium.
The Americans — who won their 33rd straight World Cup game on Monday — will face either Hungary or Japan in the quarterfinals on Thursday. Hungary and Japan will play in a qualification round for second- and third-place finishers from each group.
One day after a woeful 28.6% shooting performance in a 55-52 win over Italy, the U.S. made 42 of 80 shots from the field (52.5%) and had 32 assists on those baskets.
Stewart went 8-of-11 from the floor after making 1 of 9 shots against Italy. Angel Reese had 13 points and six assists, Napheesa Collier and Jackie Young scored 12 apiece and Paige Bueckers and Sonia Citron each added 10.
Caitlin Clark led the Americans with seven assists to go with her nine points. Kiki Iriafen corralled a game-high 11 rebounds, six on the offensive glass.
The U.S. overpowered the Czech Republic 29-15 in the first quarter and held a 57-33 halftime lead. After the Czechs got within 20 during the third period, the Americans held them without a point for a span of 4:24 and rattled off an 11-point run in that span, putting the game entirely out of reach.
The Czech Republic (0-3) had been eliminated from knockout stage contention before Monday’s result. China defeated Italy 71-51 Monday to take second place in Group D.
Eliska Joklova led the Czechs with 19 points, including 11-of-14 free-throw shooting.
–Field Level Media
