USA Basketball Women’s National Team finishes pre-World Cup schedule, announces list of 13 finalists

Team USA is gearing up for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup later this week. Here’s how their final preparation game went, along with the current roster which has one more cut to go.

USA beats France 77-60 in friendly tournament

A quick look at the box score would indicate that the Americans blew out the French. However, it wasn’t that easy. They were only up 50-46 after three quarters and had to go on a 27-13 run to put the game away.

Diana Taurasi scored 16 points and dished 6 assists to lead the USA, while Tina Charles scored 10 of her 14 points in the decisive last period.

The game was part of a tournament in Antibes, France that included Canada and Senegal. The USA won all games in the round robin tournament.

USA Basketball announces 13 finalists

Team USA brought a full talent pool of players for pre-tournament friendlies but has trimmed the roster after reviewing players’ performances in the exhibition matchups. Here is the list of the 13 finalists:

• Sue Bird, G, Storm
• Tina Charles, C, Liberty
• Layshia Clarendon, G, Sun
• Elena Delle Donne, F, Mystics
• Brittney Griner, C, Mercury
• Jewell Loyd, G, Storm
• Nneka Ogwumike, F, Sparks
• Kelsey Plum, G, Aces
• Breanna Stewart, F, Storm
• Diana Taurasi, G, Mercury
• Morgan Tuck, F, Sun
• Elizabeth Williams, F, Dream
• A’ja Wilson, C, Aces

The following players were cut after the Antibes tournament: Napheesa Collier (UConn), Kelsey Mitchell (Fever) and Tiffany Mitchell (Fever). One more player will be cut before the FIBA World Cup begins on Saturday, Sept. 22.

Which player will be the final cut?