TENERIFE, Spain – September 23, 2018 – Tina Charles netted 16 points and grabbed six boards as the USA Women’s World Cup Team battled China for a 100-88 win at the 2018 FIBA World Cup on Sunday evening.
In its first Group D game against Senegal, the USA started slowly and at one point trailed 10-2. While China did score the first basket, it enjoyed only 16 seconds with the lead. Charles scored 10 of her 16 points in the first quarter to ensure a quick start for the USA and a lead that it would never relinquish. The USA held the lead for 38:41.
1Q: 🇺🇸 #USABWNT 25, 🇨🇳 China 20 #FIBAWWC
Hot start for @tinacharles31, who has 10 pts. on 5-of-6 shooting for the U.S. @_ajawilson22 scores 6 pts. in the opening quarter.
📺 » https://t.co/yHL7vnVdZ4
📊 » https://t.co/HskU4pDLS9 pic.twitter.com/4XD6LZMsB4— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) September 23, 2018
“It’s really important to get off to a quick start,” Charles said. “It can be anyone’s game. We’re going to get everybody’s best effort, so it’s really important that all of us step up individually and play as a team.”
Despite USA playing in the forefront for most of the game, leading by as many as 18 points, China responded in slight spurts. The USA was helped, however, by its 57.6-percent shooting clip (38-66 FGs) and a 38-30 rebounding advantage.
Charles’s point total came on 58.3-percent shooting and her six rebounds mirrored two other Americans for a game-high. She also added a dime.
After an off day for all teams on Sept. 24, the USA will wrap up preliminary round play against Latvia at 1 PM on Sept. 25, which will be televised on ESPN+.