:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50321819/usa-today-9434479.0.jpg)
After a record-breaking win over Senegal on Sunday, Team USA took the court the very next day, this time beating Spain handily, 103-63.
The Spanish team, ranked third in the world, was able to keep up with the Americans for much of the first quarter, but the Americans were a class above. Auriemma once again went with four former Huskies in the starting lineup: Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Maya Moore and Tina Charles along with former Baylor star Brittney Griner.
Taurasi led the United States with 13 points while Breanna Stewart and Bird followed close behind with nine. Moore and Charles both scored eight.
In the first quarter, Spain was just three points behind Team USA with 3:54 remaining in the first quarter. But the United States went on a 14-2 run to end the quarter at 29-14. Bird was running the point as they pulled away, registering two assists. Taurasi scored three points and had an assist as well.
In the second quarter, the Spanish were able to stay in the game with three-point shooting, going 6-for-9 from three-point range. Team USA was up 54-37 at the half.
In the second half, Spain’s shooters cooled down and the U.S. pulled away, outscoring Spain 20-14 in the third quarter and widening the gap even further in the fourth. The United States continued to force turnovers with its exceptional defense, finishing with 23 turnovers forced including 13 steals while only turning the ball over 12 times.
Geno Auriemma’s squad dominated in pretty much every single statistical category. The entire box score can be found here, with postgame quotes here.
Team USA plays Serbia in their third pool game on Wednesday. Tip-off is at 2:30 p.m. Eastern.