Team USA women’s basketball showcased their dominance with a resounding 108-56 victory over Hungary in the quarterfinals of the FIBA Women’s World Cup. During a postgame press conference, coach Kara Lawson brushed aside external opinions and rankings.
Lawson was asked about the impact of recent power rankings on her team’s motivation as they progressed in the tournament. She claimed no prior knowledge of the rankings, but addressed the perceived favoritism towards France, who had performed strongly in the group stage.
“This is a big tournament, the World Cup, where opinions on potential winners are natural. It’s exciting, and part of why we love sports,” Lawson stated. “We don’t discuss these opinions within our camp; our focus is purely on our performance.”
Despite concerns, Team USA remained focused after being ranked second following a narrow 55-52 win against Italy. This performance marked their lowest-scoring World Cup game since adopting the 3-point line. FIBA’s rankings, though subjective, praised France while noting America’s team dynamic as a “work in progress.”
France validated its high regard with a solid 90-61 victory over China, remaining a potential championship opponent for the U.S. as both teams are on opposite sides of the bracket.
Lawson continues to back her veteran lineup amid external dissatisfaction. Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart led against Hungary. This strategy proved effective as the Americans quickly established a 59-30 halftime lead and scored 36 points in the first quarter.
The team maintained impressive offensive statistics, shooting 59% from the field and making 12 of 23 attempts from beyond the arc. With a record-breaking 108 points, the U.S. set a new scoring record for a Women’s World Cup quarterfinal.
Napheesa Collier stood out, contributing 19 points and six rebounds, while each player on the roster scored during the game. Five players hit double digits, including Caitlin Clark who narrowly missed a double-double with 10 points and nine assists.
Every player contributed, with Angel Reese adding nine points, six rebounds, and three assists, and Paige Bueckers marking seven points with three assists. This win stretched the USA’s World Cup victory streak to 34 games, an unbeaten run since 2006.
The team will next face Australia’s or Spain’s quarterfinal winner in the semifinals scheduled for Saturday. With two more wins, Lawson’s team aims to claim a fifth consecutive World Cup title. Reporting by Jackson Thompson for Fox News Digital.