USA clinches fifth straight World Cup gold as Stewart dominates and Clark shines off bench
Team USA defeated France 97-79 to win its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup title, with Breanna Stewart posting a double-double and Caitlin Clark providing key bench scoring.
In the final of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, Team USA overcame an early shortfall to defeat France 97-79, marking its fifth straight gold medal and seventh in eight tournaments. A dominant third-quarter run of 30-12 turned the tide, allowing the Americans to pull away. Breanna Stewart led the way with 22 points, ten rebounds and a 70% field-goal rate, earning MVP of the tournament.
Jackie Young contributed 18 points, six rebounds and five assists, and was named player of the game. Freshman Caitlin Clark, coming off the bench for about 12 minutes, added 12 points and three assists, including a crucial buzzer-beating shot before halftime and a decisive three-pointer later. France’s offense was anchored by Dominique Malonga’s 21 points and Gabby Williams’ 20, but the team managed only four field goals in the third quarter.
How this was covered
- Coverage peaked at 8 outlets in a single hour
Why it matters
The win reinforces the United States' dominance in women's basketball and highlights emerging talent for future international competitions.
How this story developed
- Sep 9 Hungary women's basketball reaches first World Cup quarterfinal, set to meet USA
- Sep 12 France's women's basketball team will meet Germany in the World Cup semifinal, with live coverage on TMC and beIN Sports 1.
- Sep 13 The United States secured a place in the final with its win over Spain.
- Sep 13 The semifinal now has a set kickoff time of 16:30 at Berlin's Uber Arena.
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