The United States opened its quest for a record-extending 12th FIBA Women’s World Cup title with a 94-61 rout of China on Friday in Berlin.

Caitlin Clark tallied 14 points and 11 assists to lead the favored American squad as action in Group D got underway. Paige Bueckers and Rhyne Howard also scored 14 points and Jackie Young added 12. Angel Reese grabbed a team-high nine rebounds.

The U.S. never trailed, leading 27-14 after the first quarter and 49-29 at halftime. The team shot 37.5% (12 of 32) from 3-point range, including four treys from Howard and three from Clark, and only turned the ball over six times.

Xinyu Luo and Ziyu Zhang each scored 13 points for China and Xu Han had a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds. China was held to 32.3% shooting (20 of 62).

The U.S. has won the last four World Cups. Coach Kara Lawson’s squad will continue group play against Italy on Sunday and the Czech Republic on Monday.

–Field Level Media