FIBAWWC defending world champions USA, overcame a shaky start to advance to the semi final following a 71-40 points win over African champions Nigeria on Friday.
Breanna Stewart had a game high 19 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists while A’ja Wilson contributed 11 points and 6 rebounds.Tina Charles had 8 points and 15 boards.
Nigeria limited the champions to just 9 points in the first quarter (9-17) but couldn’t replicate the feat in the second quarter scoring just 6 points. USA suffered 14 of their 23 turn overs in the first half but had to make a quick turn around in the second half.
No Nigerian player ended on double figures, the first of the tournament. Ezinne Kalu had 8 points, 4 rebounds, 5 steals and 6 assists while Evelyn Akhator also scored 8 points and 5 rebounds in 27 minutes.
Sue Bird who was scoreless in 20 minutes, made back to back 3s in the last quarter stretching the lead to 25 points with 4 minutes remaining. It was a huge mountain for the African champions to climb in the end.
The United States recorded their 20th straight victory at the FIBA Women’s World Cup but couldn’t get to their 10,000th points in the history of the FIBA Women’s World Cup, they are on 9,999 at the moment.
D’Tigress will next play in the classification game on Saturday to determine their placement at the end of the tournament. While USA will play the winner between Australia and China in the semi final.
