Breanna Stewart does it all in Team USAs bounce-back performance in win over Czechia at FIBA World Cup

Much has been made of the U.S.women’s national team’s “young-and-turnt” squad at this year’s FIBA World Cup. But the Americans’ dominant 105-64 win against Czechia on Monday was a reminder that this team is still led by the old guard.The U.S.

bounced back in a major way less than 24 hours after the Americans narrowly staved off disaster against Italy.After Jackie Young was the only American to reach 10 points Sunday, the U.S.had six players finish in double figures against Czechia.Breanna Stewart led the U.S.

with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists in less than 17 minutes of action.“That’s not bad,” Stewart said with a smile when the FIBA reporter read her stat line.“There’s a number of things that we can all do on this team.

Obviously, when you’re playing with incredible talents, my teammates make it easy but trying to do the right things and really get the team going in a number of ways.”Stewart called Sunday’s 55-52 win a “great test” for a team that rarely finds itself on the ropes.But Monday, she helped ensure the U.S.

punctuated the group play stage with a resounding statement. After going an uncharacteristic 1-for-9 from the field Sunday, Stewart made eight of her 11 field-goal attempts against Czechia.Her bounce-back reflected the team’s overall strong response to an off night.Against Italy, the U.S.collectively shot an abysmal 28.6 percent from the field, with only one made 3-pointer.It was a different story against Czechia.The Americans pushed the pace more and dictated the game better.

They scored 57 points in the first half — two more than they recorded Sunday — and led for all but 14 seconds of the contest.The U.S.collectively shot 53 percent from the field and knocked in seven 3s. Angel Reese had 13 points and six rebounds.

Napheesa Collier and Jackie Young added 13 points each.Team USA took care of business so early that Stewart watched the final 15-plus minutes from the sideline.“I wanted to com...