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SYDNEY (AP) — Brionna Jones scored 24 points, A'ja Wilson added 20 and the U.S. used a dominant inside effort for a record performance in a 145-69 win over South Korea on Monday in the World Cup.
It broke the highest scoring game in World Cup history, surpassing the 143 points Brazil had in 1990. It also shattered the previous U.S. mark of 119 points achieved against Angola in 2014 and China in 2006. The scoring margin was also the biggest in U.S. history as well.
The win was also the 26th in a row in World Cup play for the Americans, who haven't lost since the 2006 semifinals when they fell to Russia. The U.S. also won 26 in a row from 1994-2006. The Soviet Union holds the World Cup record with 56 straight wins from 1959-1986.
What started with Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi and Sylvia Fowles has now been passed on to Breanna Stewart and A'ja Wilson. A legacy of excellence that doesn't look like it's ending anytime soon.
The U.S. (4-0), which has been playing stellar defense, was challenged by South Korea early. The teams were trading baskets for the first eight minutes and it was tied at 21 before the Americans took control, scoring the final 11 points of the period.
Kahleah Copper came off the bench for the first time of the tournament and scored six points during that spurt. The Americans kept the streak going to start the second quarter, scoring nine of the first 11 points to put the game away.
By the time the game reached the half the U.S. was up 68-40, including scoring 44 points in the paint against the undersized Koreans.
The only suspense in the second half was how many records the Americans could break. They took down their own scoring mark on Sabrina Ionescu's 3-pointer with 6:15 left in the game. Shakira Austin's layup with 9 seconds left topped Brazil's mark.
A few minutes earlier they broke the field goals made record of 47 set also against South Korea in 1994. The U.S. finished with 52 field goals and scored 90 points in the paint. The Americans were well rested for the game after having their first day off of the tournament on Sunday.
Despite the rout, South Korea (1-3) can still advance to the quarterfinals with a win over Puerto Rico on Tuesday.
Leeseul Kang, who had 37 points in a win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, scored 10 points. Hyejin Park had 17 to lead the team.
SCOREBOARD
In other games Monday, Belgium routed Bosnia and Herzegovina 85-55 and Serbia beat Mali 81-68. France played Japan; China faced Puerto Rico and Canada faced Australia later Monday.
UP NEXT
South Korea: Faces Puerto Rico on Tuesday with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals.
U.S.: Plays Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday.
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