Monday was the ultimate day of FIBA World group play, and the motion didn’t disappoint.
Staff USA dominated in opposition to Czechia, Belgium finest Australia and Mali’s Cinderella story got here to an finish.
The group winners are Spain (Group A), France (Group B), Belgium (Group C), and Staff USA (Group D), in order that they’ll robotically advance to the quarter-final stage.
Earlier than we check out the video games arising for the final 4 spots remaining within the quarters, right here’s a rundown of all of the motion that passed off on Monday.
Successful solves every little thing.
After a tricky battle with Italy that went all the way down to the wire, there was loads of criticism that Staff USA had not performed as much as par, or that maybe they aren’t pretty much as good as believed.
They quieted that chatter by obliterating Czechia, 105-64.
It was a dominant efficiency from begin to end. Staff USA scored 57 by halftime, which was greater than they’d of their complete sport in opposition to Italy the night time earlier than.
Six gamers completed in double figures, with Breanna Stewart main America’s standouts. She scored 19 factors on 8-for-11 capturing. Angel Reese added 13 factors and 6 rebounds. Kiki Irafen, who didn’t play in any respect in opposition to Italy, acquired some run on this one and made probably the most of it. She had seven factors and a game-high 11 rebounds.
Like Staff USA, Belgium has but to expertise defeat on this World Cup. They beat Australia 80-68 to finish the group stage unbeaten.
It’s not solely the outcomes, however how Belgium has gotten it executed that’s been spectacular. Emma Meeseman has seemed like among the finest gamers within the competitors. She ended the sport with 22 factors, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
Julie Allemand additionally continues to be among the finest passers on this World Cup. She had seven assists and 11 factors within the win.
Julie Vanloo had 12 factors on 50 % capturing. With a lot chemistry and elite play, Belgium has a great likelihood as anybody, to win all of it.
Mali had a stupendous win over Spain, but it surely wasn’t sufficient to maintain their World Cup run alive. They misplaced to the host nation 83-58, ending their time in Berlin.
Frieda Bühner was the lead scorer for Germany with 21 factors. Luisa Geiselsoder added 17 factors within the victory. For Mali, Djeneba N’Diaye, Rokia Doumbia, Kamite Elisabeth Dabou and Alima Dembele all scored 10 factors, but it surely wasn’t sufficient offense to compete with Germany.
Nonetheless, Mali’s win in opposition to Spain will likely be among the finest reminiscences from this World Cup. Mali confirmed everybody that they’re making great progress as a basketball nation. They’ll return house with their heads held excessive.
Puerto Rico comes by way of within the clutch
Coming into the fourth quarter in opposition to Turkey, Puerto Rico was down by seven. They turned issues round and snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat, prevailing 75-71.
Imani McGee-Stafford was outstanding on this sport. She had 16 factors and 14 rebounds within the win. McGee-Stafford additionally knocked down a pair of free throws late to keep up the lead.
Arella Guirantes was the highest scorer with 21 factors. Puerto Rico will now tackle China with a quarterfinal spot on the road. Turkey is completed enjoying on this competitors.
This was one other tight sport, however Hungary remained in entrance all through earlier than successful 82-73.
They maintained management within the fourth quarter because of Dorka Juhász main the cost. She scored 22 factors, incomes participant of the sport honors.
As has been true all through the World Cup, Korea relied on Jihyun Park. She scored 21 factors and evened issues up for a second halfway by way of the ultimate body earlier than Hungary closed the door on the possibilities of a win.
France flexes their dominance
France can very nicely win this World Cup, whereas Nigeria already had been eradicated earlier than the conclusion of group play.
So when these two collided, one bulldozed the opposite. Les Blues ended the matchup rapidly, and in blowout vogue.
Gabby Williams led the cost with 25 factors and Marine Johannès contributed 17 factors, offering greater than sufficient scoring to compensate for Dominique Malonga’s quieter 9 level.
Spain’s youth secures the win
Awa Fam is nice at basketball. She dominated as soon as once more for Spain with a double-double of 16 factors and 10 rebounds.
Iyana Martín additionally stepped up and shined, scoring a satisfying 20 factors to assist Spain win Group A.
Kokoro Tanaka led Japan in scoring with 15 factors, and Norika Konno contributed 12 within the loss.
China’s measurement gave Italy a myriad of issues.
Han Xu was the perfect participant on the ground, scoring 19 factors on 8-for-11 capturing. Add in Shuyu Yang dropping 15 factors, they usually have been capable of maintain Italy with ease.
