Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier Shine In Team USA's Stunning Quarterfinal Victory Against Hungary
Image Credit - @fiba.basketbal
In a 108-56 victory over Hungary, Team USA practically doubled its lead and advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
After defeating Hungary by 52 points in the quarterfinals on September 10, 2026, in Berlin, Germany, Team USA advanced to the FIBA World Cup semifinals thanks to yet another well-rounded attack in which every player scored. Following a near upset by Italy in the group round, Team USA has mostly put any fears to rest with its previous two performances, the most recent of which was a 108-56 victory to progress to the semifinals.
All 12 U.S. players scored for the third time in four games. Five players reached double digits, including Caitlin Clark, who had nine assists and 10 points. Rhyne Howard finished with four steals and 15 points. Napheesa Collier finished with a block, six rebounds, and 19 points.
Team USA has another 100-point game. Beats Hungary to get to the semis, 108-56.
Five players in double digits.
Napheesa Collier 19 PTS, 6 REB, 1 BLK
Rhyne Howard 15 PTS, 4 STL
Caitlin Clark `10 PTS, 9 AST, 2 STL
Kahleah Copper 10 PTS, 6 REB, 2 STL
Jackie Young 10 PTS, 1 STL
— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) September 10, 2026
Clark had a game-high nine assists, some of which led to buckets for Angel Reese (nine points, six rebounds, three assists), while Kahleah Copper, the three-time WNBA All-Star, and Jackie Young each had 10.
The United States scored the most points in a World Cup quarterfinal with 31 assists, 28 fast-break points, 44 points off turnovers, and 52 paint scores. In its 34th straight World Cup victory, the squad also shot 60 percent from the field.
Speaking after the quarterfinal win about the team’s ball movement and sacrifice, Copper said, “When that ball is moving, we want to get the best possible shot. (…) We want to make sure everybody gets involved. Everyone here on this roster, we know what they’re doing on their respective (WNBA) teams. But you come here, you sacrifice a little bit of that.”
When Sonia Citron had to leave the game in the third quarter after being accidentally struck in the nose by a Hungarian player’s hand, Team USA felt a bit under pressure. However, Citron soon made her way back at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
The squad as a whole performed admirably, but the chemistry between Clark and Angel Reese was particularly noteworthy. In fact, Clark found Reese for three baskets and three assists in just the first half.
To complete the first quarter, the first came from a basic screen-and-roll. Reese ran the floor on the second transition, and Clark gave her the feed as a reward. The third came from Clark finding her with a fantastic entry pass after Reese sealed her defender on the block. In the second half, Reese even found Clark for a layup.
Although Clark still leads Team USA in assists, her typical opponent received three of her four in the first half. It’s been a notable development to witness how effectively they collaborate as a team, given their rivalry that stretched back to college and high-stakes Iowa vs. LSU matchups.
The young and energetic core of the team, especially Clark, Reese, and Paige Bueckers, has contributed significantly to the bench unit’s productivity throughout the World Cup, even though Team USA’s starting lineup performed admirably in this match. Moreover, Kara Lawson, the U.S. coach, is pleased with the team’s progress and momentum.
Team USA now advances to the semifinals, where it will compete in the medal round on Saturday against the winner of Australia vs. Spain. They will compete for the gold medal on Sunday if they win. If that’s the scenario, the Clark-Reese duo will undoubtedly stand out along the way.
Since losing to Russia in the 2006 World Cup semifinals, the Americans have won 34 consecutive tournament games. The United States has competed in every medal round since 1983, when the format was changed to include medal rounds.