From OutKick · Amber Harding · · 1m 30s
Team USA sweats out Spain, then slams the door
Spain had the Americans tied after three quarters in Berlin, until an 18-8 fourth put the World Cup streak back on track.
In brief
Spain had the Americans tied after three quarters in Berlin, until an 18-8 fourth put the World Cup streak back on track. Team USA won ugly, shooting 40% with 15 turnovers, and that fourth-quarter defense is the only reason the streak survived. Originally reported by OutKick.
Three quarters of trouble
Spain hung with Team USA all afternoon and had the semifinal tied 58-58 heading into the fourth. A streak that goes back to 2006 was suddenly one bad quarter from ending.
The fourth quarter answer
The Americans won the final period 18-8 to close it out 76-66 and book a spot in the FIBA Women's World Cup final.
Stewart and Young deliver
Breanna Stewart led with 16 points and 6 rebounds, Kahleah Copper added 13, and Jackie Young scored 6 of her 12 in the fourth to finally create separation.
Little things, not highlights
Stewart credited rebounding and a second-half defensive lift rather than anything flashy. Coach Kara Lawson had asked at halftime for more precise coverages and calmer possessions.
“Just continue to do the little things.”
The numbers were ugly
Team USA shot 40% from the field, went 3-for-18 from three, turned it over 15 times, and managed only 9 assists. Caitlin Clark, off the bench again, finished with 1 point.
France stands in the way
A fifth straight World Cup title comes down to one game against France, a team Stewart called really tough. Spain got 17 apiece from Maria Conde and Iyana Martin and still lost.
“We're going for gold, and that's what we're going to do.”
The big picture
Team USA won ugly, shooting 40% with 15 turnovers, and that fourth-quarter defense is the only reason the streak survived.
