The United States women’s basketball team defeated Spain 76-66 on Saturday in Berlin, securing a spot in the championship game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup, according to game reports from CBS News. Breanna Stewart led the Americans with 16 points and six rebounds, while Kahleah Copper added 13 points to help overcome a physical Spanish defense and a nine-point first-quarter deficit.
Semifinal Battle and Fourth-Quarter Surge
The Americans responded with a 12-2 closing run in the first period to reclaim momentum. The physical play of the Spanish defense forced numerous fouls, sending the U.S. to the free-throw line frequently, where the team converted 27 of 35 attempts.
The score was tied at 58 heading into the fourth quarter before the U.S. opened the final period with a 12-2 run to build a 70-60 lead with 5:20 remaining, as reported by CBS News. Spain failed to narrow the gap below eight points for the remainder of the contest. Stewart noted after the game, as quoted by USA Basketball, that Spain proved to be a tough, young, and energetic opponent that required the Americans to steadily pick up their defensive intensity quarter by quarter.
World Cup History and Upcoming Championship Rematch
With this victory, the U.S. extended its winning streak in World Cup play to 35 games, dating back to a 2006 semifinal loss against Russia, according to CBS News. The Americans are now pursuing their fifth consecutive tournament title, which would tie the former Soviet Union for the most consecutive championships in the event’s history.
In Sunday’s gold medal game, the U.S. will face France in a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics final, which the Americans won by a single point. Meanwhile, Spain advances to the bronze medal game to play host nation Germany on Sunday, according to CBS News.
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