TENERIFE, Spain – September 29, 2018 – Tina Charles put up eight points and collected seven rebounds and the USA Women’s World Cup Team defeated Belgium, 93-77, to secure a spot in the FIBA World Cup gold medal game Sunday against also-undefeated Australia (5-0).
The gold medal clash between the USA and Australia will take place at 3 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30 and will be televised on ESPN.
The USA is seeking its third-straight gold medal, a feat it has never accomplished, and currently is riding a 21-game World Cup winning streak that dates back to the 2006 bronze medal game.
The USA had never met Belgium in major international play prior to Saturday’s game, but the World Cup first-timers gave the USA a first-class effort in the first half.
There were six lead changes and seven ties in a first half that Belgium led for 10:01 with neither team able to break away. In the third, the USA outscored Belgium 33-18 and both teams were equal in the fourth to see the USA prevail.
Charles’ eight points came on 66.7-percent shooting. Her seven total boards saw two come on the offensive end of the floor. She also picked up two assists in less than 16 minutes.