Team USA advanced to the FIBA Women’s World Cup semifinals on Thursday with a 108-56 quarterfinal victory over Hungary, powered by the emerging partnership of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese—former college rivals now playing together as teammates.
Clark and Reese deliver key contributions
Clark finished with 10 points, nine assists, three rebounds, and two steals in 20 minutes, while Reese added nine points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block in under 18 minutes. Their on-court chemistry was on full display, including a highlight-reel play where Reese set a screen, then received a bounce pass from Clark for an easy layup. The duo combined for 15 assists and 19 points, helping Team USA set a FIBA World Cup record with 31 assists in a single game.
Team USA’s dominance extended beyond Clark and Reese, with all 12 players scoring at least once in the rout. The victory marked the Americans’ 34th consecutive World Cup win since 2006, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
Coach Lawson dismisses external rankings
Following the game, head coach Kara Lawson addressed questions about recent FIBA power rankings that placed France ahead of the U.S. after the group stage. Lawson stated that Team USA does not engage with external opinions, emphasizing that the team focuses solely on its own performance.
"Worrying about someone else’s opinion doesn’t serve you, because it doesn’t change whether you can do it or not. It’s just someone’s opinion," Lawson said. The Americans had narrowly escaped Italy 55-52 in their final tune-up before the knockout rounds, their lowest-scoring World Cup performance since the introduction of the 3-point line in 1984.
Clark and Reese reflect on their evolving dynamic
Reese and Clark, who faced each other as opponents during their college careers—including the 2023 NCAA championship game—have embraced their roles as teammates. Reese noted their long history of competition has made their transition smoother.
"We’ve played against each other so many times, so I’m sure we know each other’s game like the back of each other’s hand," Reese said. "Just easily dishing it off to her. She dishes it off to me. She knows my spots. I got one to her today, maybe two. So it’s fun. We just continue to build chemistry because we know we’re gonna be USA teammates for a while."
Clark echoed similar sentiments, calling Reese a "fiery competitor" and praising her work ethic. "She’s competitive and she has a tremendous motor, like she has one of the best motors in the league. She works just as hard as anybody on the court," Clark told the Associated Press.
Team USA’s path forward
With the win, Team USA secured a semifinal matchup and remains on track for its fifth consecutive gold medal at the FIBA Women’s World Cup. The team’s blend of veteran leadership and young talent, including Clark and Reese, has drawn attention for its balanced offensive and defensive contributions.
The semifinal will test the Americans’ depth and adaptability, but their performance against Hungary demonstrated the potential of their rotation. Coach Lawson’s emphasis on internal focus over external rankings underscored the team’s confidence in its preparation and execution.