USA Defeats Nigeria, 71-40, to Advance to Semifinals


The USA Basketball Women’s National Team defeated Nigeria, 71-40, on Friday to advance to the Semifinals of the 2018 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Tenerife, Spain.

Nigeria came out strong to start the game, defending full court and holding the USA to just nine points in the first quarter. But the Americans finished the first half strong, outscoring Nigeria 18-5 to close out the half with a 27-23 lead. Behind 2018 WNBA Rookie of the Year A’ja Wilson (11 PTS) and MVP Breanna Stewart’s (19 PTS) guidance, the USA started running away with it in the third quarter and never looked back. Elena Delle Donne (7 PTS) and Tina Charles (8 PTS) used their size to overpower the smaller Nigeria lineup.

Wilson has showcased her abilities throughout the World Cup, and Friday was more of the same. Averaging 14.5 PPG, Wilson paces all scorers coming off the bench in the entire tournament.

With today’s win, the USA advances to the Semifinals, which will be played Saturday. USA awaits the winner of the France-Belgium Quarterfinal as their Semifinal opponent. Time and broadcast of game will be determined once all match-ups are set on Friday.