Team USA Crushes Hungary 108-56 to Advance to FIBA Women’s World Cup Semifinals

USA Delivers Its Best Performance of the Tournament

Team USA put together its most dominant performance of the FIBA Women’s World Cup on Thursday, overwhelming Hungary 108-56 in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals.

The Americans set World Cup quarterfinal records with 108 points and 31 assists, producing an offensive explosion after struggling to find its rhythm earlier in the tournament. The 52-point victory also ranks as the second-largest quarterfinal winning margin in World Cup history.

Napheesa Collier led all scorers with 19 points, a personal best with the senior U.S. national team. Rhyne Howard added 15 points, while Kahleah Copper, Caitlin Clark and Jackie Young each contributed 10.

U.S. Defense Sets the Tone

Team USA established control immediately, racing to a 36-12 lead after the opening quarter before taking a 59-30 advantage into halftime.

The American defense made life extremely difficult for Hungary, particularly its star post players. Dorka Juhasz and Virag Takacs-Kiss combined for only four points as the U.S. consistently disrupted Hungary’s offensive rhythm.

The defensive pressure also created opportunities on the other end of the floor. Team USA scored 25 of its 44 points off turnovers in the first half, allowing its defense to fuel an explosive transition attack.

Offense Finds Its Rhythm

Two games after Italy held Team USA to just 55 points, the Americans were able to generate quality opportunities throughout Thursday’s quarterfinal.

The U.S. shot 58.8% from the field, its best shooting performance of the tournament, while knocking down 12 3-pointers to match its tournament high. After shooting just 29% from beyond the arc during the group stage, Team USA showed considerably better efficiency from long range against Hungary.

The Americans also dominated inside. Team USA scored 32 points in the paint during the first half alone and finished with 52 overall, surpassing Hungary’s entire first-half scoring output.

Chemistry Finally Coming Together

The 108 points were the second-most scored in a knockout game in Women’s World Cup history, trailing only Brazil’s 110 points against the United States in the 1994 semifinals.

For Team USA, however, the biggest takeaway may have been the continued development of its chemistry. Unlike many national teams, the Americans entered the World Cup without an extended training camp or significant preparation time together. The group last gathered as a team at the Final Four in April, and even that gathering did not include the final roster.

The players have now been together for roughly 10 days after leaving their WNBA teams, and Thursday’s performance suggested that the accelerated process of building chemistry is beginning to pay dividends.

Team USA Advances to the Semifinals

With the quarterfinal victory secured, Team USA will now turn its attention to the semifinals. The Americans will face either Spain or Australia on Saturday at 2 p.m. ET.

After an uneven start to the tournament, the United States appears to be finding its form at the most important time. Thursday’s 108-56 rout showcased the defense, ball movement and shooting efficiency that could make Team USA extremely difficult to stop as it continues its pursuit of another World Cup championship.