Boxscores

VIDNOJE (FIBA U21 World Championship for Women) – The United States overpowered Belgium 104-53 on Friday to earn a place in the semi-final round where they will take on hosts Russia.

Unbeaten in the group stage, the Americans trailed briefly against their opponents from Europe in the first quarter before grabbing a stranglehold on proceedings.

Leading 20-18 with two seconds remaining, the US rushed the ball up the floor and Abigail Waner drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer to mark the end of the opening period.

An Amanda Houts basket was followed by another three-ball from Waner which gave America a 28-18 advantage with 7:21 remaining in the first frame.

Belgium worked hard, but the US continued to pull away by scoring six straight points for a 38-24 lead.

The biggest American run bridged the second and third quarters.

Candice Wiggins’ two free throws were the first of 10 consecutive points scored by the USA to end the second quarter, leaving them in command at 50-27.

That run continued for 11 more points at the start of the second half.

USA’s Courtney Paris led all scorers with 18 points, Waner had 15 and Houts 14.

FIBA