USA made sure to assert their position in the power rankings from before the beginning of the tournament as they defeated Puerto Rico by a humiliating 106-42. It is their second consecutive victory following a rather less comfortable one against challenging Belgium, one that ended with a tighter gap of 87-72.
Meanwhile, rivals China are not resting. Currently topping the group following a 98-51 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Han Xu and Li Meng stole the show with a respective 18 and 17 points, seven and three rebounds. Jonquel Jones attempted to be the hero for the defeated, however, even her 17 points and nine rebounds were not enough.
USA and China are set to face off in what will most likely be an animated contest on Saturday.
Australia and Belgium made sure to show off their skills as well to assure their status as potential candidates, especially with the former playing on home soil. The hosts did their spectators proud as they defeated Mali with an easy 118-58 while Belgium left South Korea with the bitter taste of an 84-61 loss.
Elsewhere, Canada fought off till late against France to hold on to a temporary lead of the group to earn a 59-45 win making them the only undefeated side of the group so far while the closest matchup of the round ended with Serbia edging off Japan at 69-64.
