Team USA beat China to qualify for Women’s Basketball World Cup quarterfinals

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Team USA claimed a 77-63 win against China to qualify for the Women’s Basketball World Cup quarterfinals on Saturday.

A'Ja Wilson led the team USA to a third victory in Group A, producing 20 points and eight rebounds at Sydney Superdome.

Alyssa Thomas scored 12 points and eight rebounds while Chelsea Gray netted 12 points and six rebounds.

Breanna Stewart finished the game with eight points and nine rebounds.

For the Chinese team, Meng Li scored 21 points as Siyu Wang helped her team with 17 points and six assists but their efforts were not enough to avoid a defeat in Australia.

"I think the athleticism that is on this roster is allowing us to do different things," U.S. national team coach Cheryl Reeve said after the game.

"Opponents will get to a point where we’ll really find out whether we’re capable of switching and getting exploited in another areas but this team has been super mindful of help defense when we do get beat, it’s just been their identity," she added.

The team USA, who became the first team to move to the next stage are now top of the standings with three victories and China are in the second spot, having two wins and one loss.

- Saturday results:

USA - China: 77-63

Bosnia and Herzegovina - South Korea: 66-99

Puerto Rico - Belgium: 65-68