On Saturday, Maria Conde put in her best performance of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Despite Conde and the rest of the Spanish squad's efforts, Team USA secured the victory and advanced to the World Cup finals.
After Team USA defeated Spain 76-66, the Toronto Tempo forward posted a certain stat line on her Instagram stories. According to Conde's IG post, Spain took just nine free-throw attempts compared to the United States' 35 bonus shots.
The FIBA website (as well as outlets like ESPN and Bleacher Report) reports a different tally of Spain's free-throw output. According to FIBA, Spain was awarded 11 free throws, 10 of which they made.
Spain got off to a hot start in this semifinal matchup, opening the first quarter with a 9-1 run. Early in the game, La Familia found creases in the United States' defense and got high-quality looks through ball and player movement.
The defending World Cup champions, however, kept their poise. The veteran trio of Breanna Stewart , Jackie Young , and Kahleah Copper anchored Team USA's offense, helping them match Spain's production.
The two teams entered the fourth quarter tied at 58, but in that final frame, the United States clamped down on defense and held Spain to just eight points.
Conde finished the game with a team-high 17 points, an output matched by her starting point guard Iyana Martin.
With the gold medal game and the bronze medal matchup finally set, Toronto Tempo beat reporter Chelsea Leite pointed out what's at stake for Maria Conde and her WNBA teammate Nyara Sabally.
"One Toronto Tempo player will return with a medal. Either Maria Conde of Spain or Nyara Sabally of Germany."
Hours before USA and France square off in the World Cup finals, Conde's Spanish squad will take on Sabally and the rest of the German team, who want to win big on their home floor.
READ MORE:
Gabby Williams Tears Up After Leading France to Historic First World Cup Final
Team USA's Caitlin Clark Kryptonite Revealed Before Potential World Cup Final
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football , men's college basketball , women's college basketball , and college baseball !
