USA Caitlin Clark and Italy Francesca Pasa fight for the ball during a game between The United States and Italy in the group phase at the FIBA Women s Basketball World Cup, on Sunday 6 September 2026, in Berlin, Germany. The FIBA Women s Basketball World Cup takes place in Berlin from 4 to 23 September 2026. VIRGINIExLEFOUR PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBELxFRAxNEDxLUX x185482511x
USA Caitlin Clark and Italy Francesca Pasa fight for the ball during a game between The United States and Italy in the group phase at the FIBA Women s Basketball World Cup, on Sunday 6 September 2026, in Berlin, Germany. The FIBA Women s Basketball World Cup takes place in Berlin from 4 to 23 September 2026. VIRGINIExLEFOUR PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxBELxFRAxNEDxLUX x185482511x
While Team USA clinched a massive 108-56 quarterfinals victory over Hungary, Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark stood out in their best metrics. But who took the crown?
“Dominant win for @usabasketball as they defeat Hungary 108-56 to advance to the semi-finals,” the WNBA announced on X on September 10, 2026. “Napheesa Collier: 19 PTS | 9-13 FG | 7 REB … Caitlin Clark: 10 PTS | 9 AST | 3 REB | 2 STL.”
Following her stellar 14-point, 11-assist game against China on September 4, Clark lost her momentum slightly, even scoring only 1 point and 1 assist against Italy on September 7. But she recovered from the slump against Czechia, adding a team-high 7 assists.
Basketball: Unrivaled-Mist at Lunar Owls Jan 17, 2025 Miami, FL, USA Napheesa Collier 24 of the Lunar Owls drives toward the basket as Courtney Vandersloot 25 of the Mist defends during the first half of the Unrivaled womens professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena. Miami FL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxRassolx 20250117_map_zg8_067
Basketball: Unrivaled-Mist at Lunar Owls Jan 17, 2025 Miami, FL, USA Napheesa Collier 24 of the Lunar Owls drives toward the basket as Courtney Vandersloot 25 of the Mist defends during the first half of the Unrivaled womens professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena. Miami FL USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJimxRassolx 20250117_map_zg8_067
Against Hungary, she did more than just her role as a point guard. Along with her fast-paced transition offense, the 3 rebounds and 2 steals told a different story. The team-high 9 assists proved her unselfish play once more.
Collier underwent double ankle surgery earlier this season and seemingly struggled in defense in the early FIBA games. In the first two games against China and Italy, she collectively had only 10 points and 7 rebounds. But she picked up her pace against Czechia, scoring 12 points and 6 rebounds.
Her team-high 19 points and 7 rebounds against Hungary sure was a step ahead of Clark. However, the team would’ve struggled without Clark’s elite playmaking.
And HC Kara Lawson knew that the Indiana Fever guard’s facilitation keeps things going.
Coach Kara Lawson on Caitlin Clark’s role
As a 2x Olympian, Collier’s veteran presence and defensive impact are undeniable. Clark may lack the international experience, but she’s still leading the W League in assists (8.4) and is third in scoring (22.5). Lawson admitted CC’s recent slump, but not without crediting her.
“That’s normal for any shooter, to have stretches where you’re hot and stretches where you’re a little bit cold,” she said, per an article written by Fadeaway World’s Richard Pereira. “But (CC) provides a great playmaking aspect to her game on our team.”
“We rely on her at the point guard position when she’s in to run the team,” added Lawson. “She’s another young player that’s feeling her way through her first World Cup.”
The stats may vary, but the blowout 108 wouldn’t have been possible without all the players’ collective effort, including both Collier and Clark.
Their teamwork will be tested once more in the semifinals on September 12.
Written by
Deblina Roy