BERLIN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Caitlin Clark had 14 points and 11 assists as the United States pulled away for a 94-61 victory over China in their FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Group D opener here on Friday.
The Americans took time to settle before Chelsea Gray connected from three-point range to ignite an 8-0 burst. The Americans soon found their range from outside, with Rhyne Howard knocking down two threes as the U.S. began to take control.
That surge helped the United States establish a 27-14 advantage after the opening quarter, but China briefly disrupted their rhythm in the second.
Clark, introduced from the bench along with Paige Bueckers, struck a long three-pointer before China worked the deficit down to 30-23. Zhang Ziyu caused problems inside as China briefly stalled the U.S. momentum.
The U.S. quickly regained control, restoring a 20-point cushion by halftime at 49-29, with Howard on 11 points and Clark already up to six assists.
China emerged from the interval in a zone defense and initially slowed the U.S. offense. The Americans managed only four points in almost six minutes as China closed to 53-37.
Aliyah Boston then helped turn the game firmly back in the Americans' favor. She contributed a block and a three-pointer before finishing in transition from a Clark pass as the United States put together a 7-1 run.
Howard capped the third quarter from beyond the arc after Clark and Bueckers combined in the build-up, leaving the Americans 70-42 ahead.
There was no way back for China in the final period. Clark added two more three-pointers as the United States completed a convincing opening win.
Clark, Howard and Bueckers each scored 14 points, while the United States made 12 three-pointers. Luo Xinyu and Zhang had 13 points apiece for China, with Han Xu adding 11 points and 10 rebounds.
"We came out slow, but we dominated the second half," said Clark. "As the tournament goes on, we're going to improve with every game." ■
