Berlin: Host Germany reached the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup semifinals for the first time with a 93-74 victory over Belgium, while the United States overwhelmed Hungary 108-56 in the quarterfinals on Thursday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Germany recovered from an early five-point deficit and took control across the end of the opening quarter and start of the second, turning a 19-18 deficit into a 29-19 advantage with an 11-0 run. Although Belgium cut the deficit to 36-34 in the second quarter, they could not regain the lead. Leonie Fiebich led Germany with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Nyara Sabally added 16 points and 12 boards. Alexis Peterson contributed 13 points and six assists without a turnover as Germany led for more than 31 minutes. Belgium's power forward Emma Meesseman finished with a game-high 29 points and eight rebounds.
The United States raced to a 36-12 first-quarter lead against Hungary and never looked back. Napheesa Collier scored 19 points and grabbed seven rebounds in just over 15 minutes, while Rhyne Howard added 15 points and four steals. Caitlin Clark recorded 10 points and nine assists as the Americans, who led for more than 39 minutes, built their largest advantage of 55 points before completing a 52-point victory.
France ended China's campaign with a 90-61 win after breaking away late in the opening quarter. Janelle Salaun and Marine Johannes scored 15 points apiece, with Johannes also handing out seven assists. Gabby Williams contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Han Xu led China with 21 points and nine rebounds.
Spain completed the semifinal lineup by defeating Australia 89-66. Spain established a 31-17 advantage in the opening quarter and led 58-37 at halftime. Megan Gustafson paced Spain with 16 points, while Iyana Martin added 14. Alex Wilson and Chloe Bibby scored 13 each for Australia.
In Saturday's semifinals, Spain faces the United States, while Germany takes on France.