Behind Alyssa Thomas‘ double-double (13 points, 14 rebounds), the USA prevailed over Serbia in the quarterfinals at the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney. The game saw the USA trail for the first time (11-7) at the competition but a 20-0 run paved the way for a berth into the semifinals.
The victory improves the U.S.’s all-time record against Serbia at the Women’s World Cup to 2-0. The inaugural matchup occurred in 2014 where the USA won, 94-74.
USA will face the winner of quarterfinal matchup between Canada and Puerto Rico.
TEAM NOTES
Let’s Ride: By advancing to the semifinals, the USA will play for a medal in 10 straight FIBA Women’s World Cups (dating back to 1979). The U.S. is on a 28-game winning streak at the World Cup (dating back to 2006) with three gold medals during the streak (2010, 2014, 2018).
Like A Good Neighbor: The USA continues to share the ball, accounting for 23 assists on 28 field goals tonight. In six games, the U.S. has 165 assists on 235 made shots, a ratio of 70.2%.
It’s In The Game: The USA crocheted together a series of stops at the end of the second quarter that carried into the third. The U.S. led 38-33 with 3:39 left in the second and the Americans held Serbia scoreless until the 5:15 mark of the third. Over that 8:24 of game time, the USA went on a 20-0 run to lead 58-33.
Just Do It: The U.S. shot 41.8% (28-67 FG) from the floor, 35.4% (11-31 3FG) from 3-point range and 91.3% (21-23 FT) from the line. Serbia shot 30.0% (21-70 FG) from the field and 25.0% (4-16 3FG) from 3 and 75.0% (9-12 FT) at the charity stripe.
PLAYER NOTES
Maybe She’s Born With It: Picking up where she left off in the Group Phase, Thomas had another impressive effort. She scored 13 points (3-4 FG, 7-8 FT) to go with 14 rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 28 minutes. She has had four games with at least 10 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals at this competition.
Additionally, Thomas is the first player to record a 10+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists performance for the U.S. in a World Cup game since Maya Moore had 17 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists (vs. Serbia in 2014).
What Happens Here, Stays Here: Fresh off a WNBA Championship with the Las Vegas Aces, A’ja Wilson had her third game of 15-plus points. In 22 minutes tonight, the reigning WNBA MVP scored 15 points (5-7 FG) and pulled down eight rebounds.
They’re Gr-r-r-eat!: The U.S. bench outscored Serbia’s, 42-15. Kelsey Plum had a game-high 17 points as a reserve while Sabrina Ionescu and Ariel Atkins each chipped in seven. The USA is averaging 48.3 bench points per game at the World Cup.
What’s Next
Semifinals vs. CAN/PUR
Sept. 30 @ TBA ET | Sept. 30 @ TBA AEST
TBA ESPN Network/ESPN+