Team USA survives Spain scare with fourth-quarter surge to reach FIBA Women's World Cup final
For three quarters, Spain had Team USA staring straight at the end of a dynasty.
Then, the Americans finally slammed the door.
Team USA pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 76-66 win over Spain on Saturday, advancing to the FIBA Women’s World Cup final and extending a World Cup winning streak that dates back to 2006.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Spain kept the pressure on nearly all afternoon and had the game tied 58-58 entering the fourth quarter.
But the Americans saved their best basketball for last, winning the final period 18-8.
Breanna Stewart led Team USA with 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Kahleah Copper added 13 and Jackie Young finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds.
Young was especially important late, scoring 6 of her 12 points in the fourth quarter as the U.S. finally created some separation.
Afterward, Stewart said the difference was sticking with the fundamentals as the pressure mounted.
"Just continue to do the little things," Stewart said.
"Honing in on the rebounding, making sure that we were getting to the offensive glass.
Defensively, we picked up in the second half." Stewart also made clear the Americans understand what’s next.
"This is going to be challenging, and obviously we have the biggest one tomorrow," she said.
"But that’s what we’re here.
We’re going for gold, and that’s what we’re going to do." TEAM USA COACH KARA LAWSON SPEAKS OUT ON PROGNOSTICATORS AFTER DOMINANT FIBA WORLD CUP WIN OVER HUNGARY The win was far from pretty.
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