The U.S. women’s basketball team returned to its dominant form Monday, one day after passing its toughest FIBA World Cup test in 20 years.
The U.S. rolled into the quarterfinals in Berlin by routing Czechia 105-64, finishing group play 3-0.
The Americans next play Hungary or Japan in Thursday’s quarterfinals. If it’s Japan, it’s a rematch of the Tokyo Olympic final won by the U.S. 90-75.
On Sunday, the Americans edged Italy in the closest game of its current 33-game win streak in FIBA World Cup play dating to 2006.
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Asked what head coach Kara Lawson asked the team to change for Monday, Angel Reese said, “Let that be the last time that we didn’t play to where we are, the USA standard, and I think we did tonight. We came out and definitely took that personal.”
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Breanna Stewart led the way with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
“We couldn’t hit any shots last night,” said Stewart, who set the tone Monday with 11 first-quarter points. “We had to turn the page.”
All 12 players scored, and everybody played at least 13 minutes.
