Caitlin Clark Shines as USA Basketball Completes FIBA World Cup Qualifying Undefeated
San Juan, Puerto Rico – Caitlin Clark and the United States women’s national basketball team finished a perfect 5-0 in the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament, securing an 84-70 victory over Spain on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Clark, the Indiana Fever star, averaged 11.6 points and 6.4 assists throughout the five games.
Clark’s Performance Against Spain
In the finale against Spain, Clark contributed 7 points and 7 assists. Kahleah Copper led Team USA with 20 points, followed by Kelsey Plum with 18. The U.S. Had already qualified for the World Cup, scheduled for September in Berlin, Germany, but used the qualifying tournament as an opportunity to provide valuable experience for younger players.
Game Highlights
Throughout the game against Spain:
- Clark assisted Kahleah Copper and Paige Bueckers on 3-pointers.
- She recorded a steal and scored a basket.
Clark’s Tournament Statistics
Clark’s performance varied throughout the tournament:
- March 11 vs. Senegal: 17 points, 12 assists in a 110-46 win. ESPN
- March 12 vs. Puerto Rico: 8 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in a 91-48 win.
- March 14 vs. Italy: 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting, with 5 assists and a steal in a 93-59 win.
- March 15 vs. New Zealand: 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, a team-high 6 assists, and 2 steals in a 90-41 win. Athlon Sports
- March 17 vs. Spain: 7 points, 7 assists in an 84-70 win. IndyStar
Overall Averages
Across the five games, Caitlin Clark averaged:
- Minutes per game: 21
- Points per game: 11.6
- Rebounds per game: 1.6
- Assists per game: 6.4
- Field Goal Percentage: 53% (18-34)
- 3-Point Percentage: 36% (8-22)
- Free Throw Percentage: 86% (12-14)
Looking Ahead
With the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament completed, Team USA will now focus its preparations for the World Cup in Berlin, Germany, in September. The tournament provided valuable playing time and experience for the team, particularly for younger players like Caitlin Clark, as they gear up for the global competition.
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