Caitlin Clark helps US beat China and 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu 94-61 in women's World Cup opener
Clark added 14 points and 11 assists without a turnover as Team USA opened its World Cup title defense with a 33-point win.
- On Friday, September 4, 2026, Team USA defeated China 94-61 in Berlin at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, starting on the bench, recorded 14 points and 11 assists without a turnover.
- Team USA announced a starting lineup featuring Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Breanna Stewart, and Jackie Young, excluding Clark. The decision triggered significant backlash from fans and critics.
- Clark's 11 assists without a turnover marked the first time a U.S. player reached 10 assists in a World Cup game since Dawn Staley in 1998. The performance validated her playmaking beyond the WNBA.
- China relied on 7-foot-3 center Zhang Ziyu to challenge the Americans, but the U.S. team responded with collective effort. The young trio of Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese sparked a critical 17-5 run in the third quarter.
- Following this opening victory, Team USA prepares for their next pool game against Italy on Saturday in Berlin. The squad looks to build rhythm with their younger roster.
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36 Articles
China's 7-Foot-3 Women's Basketball Phenom Wreaks Havoc On Team USA With Ridiculous Height Difference
Zhang Ziyu did not lead China to victory over the United States at the FIBA World Cup. However, the 7-foot-3 women’s basketball phenom held her own with some of the top players in the WNBA at only 19 years old. The height difference is ridiculous! This was the first time Zhang has played against a […]
The Chinese team was powerless in the rematch of the last final, swept aside from the opening tip (29-14 at the end of the first quarter) by the superior technical and athleticism of the United States, who were too quick on offense and suffocating on defense. Their towering Zhang Zhiyu (2.20 m according to FIBA) was effectively contained (13 points with 9/10 free throws, 6 rebounds, and 2 turnovers). Fueled by their outside shooting (5/10 at t…
The U.S. women's basketball team has started the World Cup in Berlin with a win. The defending champion Americans crushed China 94-61 (27-14, 22-15, 21-13, 24-19) in Group D, with Caitlin Clark setting a U.S. team record in her debut.
Caitlin Clark helps US beat China and 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu 94-61 in women’s World Cup opener
BERLIN (AP) — Caitlin Clark had 14 points and 11 assists to help the United States beat China, which was led by 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu, 94-61 in its women's basketball World Cup opener Friday.
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