USA beats China to win women’s basketball World Cup

A’ja Wilson, who plays for the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, led tournament favourites Team USA with 19 points.

Kelsey Plum of the United States celebrates victory with team mates during the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup final between USA and China at Sydney Superdome. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Defending champion USA beat China 83-61 to win a record-extending 11th Women's World Cup title in Sydney on Saturday.

A'ja Wilson, who plays for the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, led tournament favourites Team USA with 19 points.

The United States earned a hard-fought early lead of 18-13 at the end of the first quarter and was made to work by China as it extended the lead to 43-33 at the halfway mark.

𝗧𝗢𝗣 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 🇺🇸

USA beat China to conquer their 1️⃣1️⃣th #FIBAWWC title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/b2eBbqlN10

— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) October 1, 2022

The game looked poised for a close finish at the break, but China faded quickly in the third quarter, going 21 points behind as Jewell Loyd and Kelsey Plum scored a combined 15 points.

The United States then weathered a late surge from China in the final quarter to secure its fourth straight World Cup title.

Earlier on Saturday, Lauren Jackson brought the curtain down on her glittering career in spectacular fashion, leading the scoring with 30 points as host Australia posted a 95-65 victory over Canada to take bronze.

"They're the best group of the girls, I've had the best time, and it's the best journey I've had in the sport," said Jackson, who returned to the Australia squad in August following a lengthy absence after first retiring in 2016.