SYDNEY (Australia) - The FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 Group Phase ended with hosts Australia beating Japan to take top spot in Group A and avoid frontrunners USA and China in the Quarter-Finals.

The top four from each group now advance to the Quarter-Finals draw, while the remaining teams in 5th and 6th spots head home.

You can check the final group standings here.

Group A

USA set another new record

USA reached another peak after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 121-59 to extend their winning streak to 27 games, which is their longest in the competition and second longest in FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup history. Kelsey Plum was most impressive with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists.

China still on fire 

Aside from being beaten by USA, the form of China is red-hot and they showed no signs of cooling off any time soon with a convincing 81-55 triumph against Belgium. That cemented second place in the Group and pushed the Cats into third, with Sijing Huang showing why she was MVP in Belgrade at the Qualifying Tournament. She had an efficient 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists.

Historic day for Puerto Rico

Days after winning their maiden FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup game in their history, another slice was served up as Puerto Rico qualified for the Quarter-Finals for the first time. They jumped out on Korea and their rapid start was rewarded as they marched on to a 92-73 victory, founded on a fantastic 29 points and 12 rebounds from Mya Hollingshed.

Group B

Opals get it done on the last day

Australia finished top of Group B after they navigated a tricky Japan team 71-54 to end the opening phase with four wins and just one loss.  After a slow start, the Opals got stronger as the contest unfolded and were led by Sami Whitcomb with 15 points, while center Marianna Tolo also weighed in with 14 points and 6 rebounds. 

Canada finish with a flourish

Canada finished 4-1 after a strong 88-65 victory against Mali. Kayla Alexander was unstoppable with a massive 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Bridget Carleton lit it up from long-range as she sunk 7 triples on her way to 27 points. 

Cado calls game as Serbia sneak past France

A huge three-pointer inside the last minute from Sasa Cado propelled Serbia past familiar Euro rivals France 68-62. The other big factors were Serbia out-rebounding France 44-20, while Yvonne Anderson brought the noise with 18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. 

FIBA