Team USA women (2-0) jumped out to a 33-8 first-quarter lead and never looked back in a 93-55 win over Puerto Rico (0-2) on Saturday at the Entertainment & Sports Arena, concluding their play in FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament action.
The USA, which already had qualified for the 2022 FIBA World Cup as Olympic champions, will join host Australia and 10 other nations at the World Cup from Sept. 22-Oct. 1 in Sydney. Team USA defeated Belgium 84-75 on Friday evening.
With 14 points, Ariel Atkins (Washington Mystics) led six U.S. scorers in double digits. Allisha Gray (Dallas Wings) had 13 points, Brionna Jones (Connecticut Sun) scored 12 points to go with six rebounds, Dearica Hamby (Las Vegas Aces) had 10 points and six boards, Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever) contributed 10 points and Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm) scored all of her 10 points in the first quarter. In total, the USA got 53 points off its bench.
On Thursday, Belgium defeated Puerto Rico 98-65, led by former Washington Mystics great Emma Meesman with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in the game.
Team USA Men Visit DC Feb. 24 & 27
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The second window of FIBA Americas Men’s World Cup Qualifying games features Team USA (1-1) facing Puerto Rico (1-1) on Feb. 24 and a USA versus Mexico (2-0) contest on Feb. 27. Roster announcements will be made soon and expected to be primarily players from the NBA G League.
Tickets for all games range from $10 (plus Ticketmaster fees) for general admission to $100 (plus Ticketmaster fees) for courtside seating.
