BERLIN (Germany) - Breanna Stewart is now just one win away from being crowned a four-time FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup winner and proving to be the protector of USA's amazing legacy in the competition.
The last time her national team lost a game was back in the 2006 Semi-Finals despite having a star-studded lineup including Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings, Tina Thompson and Candace Parker.
Almost 20 years to the day, USA looked like history might be about to repeat as they labored against Spain for long periods.
The one constant was the presence of their veteran who skilfully led her team to a precious 76-66 success. She finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds.
With those 16 points, Stewart moved to 266 in the competition and became the 5th player on the USA all-time list, passing Cheryl Miller who had 264.
Breanna Stewart is the only player to rank among in the Top 5 in points, rebounds and assists among all USA players in Women's World Cup history.
Captain Stewie has been the veteran on this team balancing this exciting young core with all of the vast experience that she, Kahleah Copper, and Chelsea Gray have accumulated over several World Cups. And as the cliche goes, the veteran has also been learning a lot from this "Young and Turnt" group as well.
"It's been a lot of fun," said Stewart. "I was talking to Kara earlier today [about that]. I don't have a lot of younger players or rookies usually on my WNBA team so to be around this many is really cool."
"Just to kind of see their mindset and their excitement and what makes them tick a little bit. It's been a really quick two weeks, but a really great two weeks."
"Knowing that this team, everybody's just thinking about the team like how can the team continue to get better? That in itself is the most special part of it because we just wanna win, you know?
"So whether it's the experience or the 'Young and Turnt" or whatever you wanna call 'em," Stewart added.
They dreamed of these moments, you know? When you play on the junior national team, you dream of these moments.
"Now they're finally here, and you have people that have done it multiple times. It's a joy to see because everyone's first time is special and we want to make sure that this is special for them."
The fans were on the edge of their seats throughout the entire game against Spain, with it being the first Women's World Cup Semi-Final to enter the fourth quarter with a tied score.
Spain put up an outstanding fight and pushed the limits of the contest, led especially by 20-year-old Iyana Martin. With 17 points in this game, she became the youngest player to score more than 16 points in a Women's World Cup Semi-Final.
The result not only opens the door for USA to make it five titles in a row and their 12th in total, it also provides the opportunity for Stewart to become the only two-time TISSOT Women's World Cup MVP.
Having landed the accolade eight years ago in Tenerife, she's looking like USA's strongest candidate for the honor again.
Not that it as been about the numbers in Berlin.
While her exemplary against Spain was pivotal and team-leading, it was the experience and leadership on the floor that proved to be priceless.
But having shepherded her team to Sunday's showpiece against France, can Stewie now seal the deal?
FIBA