US Women Beat Spain 76-66 to Reach FIBA World Cup Final

The United States women's basketball team defeated Spain 76-66 in the FIBA World Cup semifinals on Saturday, overcoming a tied game entering the fourth quarter to advance to the championship final against France. The victory extends the Americans' World Cup winning streak to 35 games, dating back to a 2006 semifinal loss to Russia. The game was knotted at 58-58 after three quarters before the U.S. pulled away with an 18-8 run in the final period. Breanna Stewart led the team with 16 points and six rebounds, while Kahleah Copper added 13 points and Jackie Young contributed 12. Young scored six of her points in the decisive fourth quarter. "Just continue to do the little things," Stewart said after the game. "Honing in on the rebounding, making sure that we were getting to the offensive glass. Defensively, we picked up in the second half." Spain was led by Maria Conde and Iyana Martín, who each scored 17 points. The Spanish team started strong, taking an early 9-1 lead, but the U.S. responded with a 12-2 run to close the first quarter. Spain remained competitive throughout, with the physical defense forcing numerous foul calls.