In front of a sold-out Sydney Superdome, the United States of America won their fourth straight FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup championship by defeating China 83-61.
There was a tremendous audience of 15,895 people there to see the United States contribute to their outstanding heritage with another top-three result.
At the outset, China was a formidable opponent, and Yueru Li of China finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds. A’Ja Wilson led USA with 19 points, and she was joined by Kelsey Plum’s 17 and Chelsea Gray’s 8 assists as the team pulled away after halftime to finish the season undefeated.
Earlier in the day, tournament hosts Australia defeated Canada 95-65 in the bronze medal game, capped off by a fairytale performance from Opals great Lauren Jackson.
In her 43rd game, she tied the All-Time FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup appearance record, and she finished in spectacular fashion by scoring 30 points. Steph Talbot had a major role off the bench, with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
TISSOT MVP and leader of the Google All-Star Five, Wilson was recognized for her outstanding play for the United States and awarded for it. Teammates Breanna Stewart and Bridget Carleton of the United States, China’s Xu Han at center, Australia’s Steph Talbot at guard, and Canada’s Bridget Carleton at guard rounded out the group. To learn more, please visit the link.
Several brand new accolades were also presented for the first time that night. More information may be found by clicking here.
Meanwhile, 145,519 people from all around the world showed out to watch games at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 in Sydney, more than double the attendance of the last tournament in 2010.
As an added bonus, the United States women’s basketball team now has an automatic berth in the 2024 Olympic Tournament in Paris.
Results of the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup
1. USA
2. China
3. Australia
4. Canada
5. Belgium
6. Serbia
7. France
8. Puerto Rico
9. Japan
10. Korea
11. Mali
12. Bosnia and Herzegovina
