SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Team USA’s women’s basketball team opened its FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign with a resounding 110-46 victory over Senegal on Wednesday. The game marked the highly anticipated debut of Caitlin Clark with the senior national team, and the Indiana Fever star delivered a performance that signaled a bright future for the American squad.
Clark, returning to competitive play after an eight-month absence due to a right groin injury followed by a bone bruise on her left ankle, entered the game off the bench midway through the first quarter. She finished with 17 points on remarkably efficient 4-of-5 shooting, all from beyond the three-point arc, and a dazzling 12 assists in just 19 minutes of action. The dominant showing underscored her impact even after a lengthy recovery process.
“I thought I was going to be anxious, but I was just excited,” Clark said after the game. “I’ve been preparing for this for a really long time. … There’s nothing like getting to run around out there and having fun, especially with a group of people as talented as this.”
The road back to the court wasn’t straightforward for Clark. Sidelined indefinitely by the groin injury whereas playing for the Indiana Fever in July, her recovery was further complicated by the ankle injury. The Fever ultimately shut her down for the remainder of the season in September. Clark spent much of her rehabilitation away from Indiana, participating in a Team USA camp in December and reporting she felt fully healthy, though unsure of her return to form.
Against Senegal, it took Clark approximately four minutes to find her rhythm, hitting her first three-pointer and settling into the game. She immediately impacted the flow of the offense, racking up three assists on three consecutive possessions. Her first assist was a bounce pass to Monique Billings for a layup, followed by a chest pass to Kelsey Plum for a catch-and-shoot three-pointer, demonstrating her court vision and passing ability.
Team USA coach Kara Lawson praised Clark’s dynamic playmaking. “She brings a dynamic to the offense, that’s for sure,” Lawson said. “She’s a dynamic scorer, but similarly a creator who moves quickly. She did a good job of alternating between creating and scoring and looked really comfortable out there.”
Clark’s performance wasn’t just about scoring; her 12 assists highlighted her ability to facilitate and create opportunities for her teammates. She capitalized on the space provided by the Senegalese defense, finding open shooters and cutters with precision passes.
In the second half, Clark had the opportunity to play alongside fellow rising stars Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, who was also making her Team USA debut. Lawson is using these qualifying games, even with Team USA already qualified for the World Cup, to experiment with different lineups and rotations, assessing player combinations and building team chemistry.
“The starting five is going to change, as will the rotations,” Lawson explained. “As a coach, I’m in a search phase. I’m trying to create chemistry and witness the best combinations.”
The United States dominated Senegal from start to finish, showcasing their depth and talent. The 110-46 scoreline reflected the significant difference in skill and experience between the two teams. While the game served as a valuable tune-up for Team USA, it also provided an opportunity for players like Clark, Bueckers, and Reese to gain valuable international experience.
Team USA will continue its FIBA World Cup qualifying campaign on Thursday with a matchup against Puerto Rico. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT. This game will provide another opportunity for Lawson to evaluate her team and refine her strategies as they prepare for the World Cup in Berlin, Germany, from September 4-13.
Clark’s successful return to action is a positive sign for both Team USA and the Indiana Fever. Her performance against Senegal demonstrated that she is regaining her form and confidence after a challenging injury layoff. As she continues to build her strength and conditioning, she is poised to turn into a key contributor to both teams.
The FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament provides a crucial platform for Team USA to assess its talent pool and prepare for the challenges ahead. With a roster brimming with young stars like Clark, Bueckers, and Reese, the future of American women’s basketball looks exceptionally bright.
Next up for Team USA is a game against Puerto Rico on Thursday, March 12th. Fans can follow the action and stay updated on Team USA’s progress throughout the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.
