SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The United States women’s national team used a barrage of 3-pointers and a dominant defensive stretch to defeat New Zealand 101-46 on Sunday in the FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament.

The United States improved to 4-0 in the San Juan tournament and remained unbeaten in group play with one game remaining.

Caitlin Clark made her first start with the senior national team and finished with 14 points and a team-high six assists, helping orchestrate an offense that shot nearly 59% from the field and hit 14 3-pointers.

“Anytime you get the chance to play with this group, it’s just fun,” Clark said. “The ball moves, everybody shares it and we just try to play the right way.”

The Americans seized control early. After New Zealand briefly led 12-11 late in the first quarter, the United States responded with a 43-6 run that stretched into the second quarter and produced a 54-18 halftime advantage.

Rhyne Howard led all scorers with 18 points off the bench, hitting six 3-pointers. Kelsey Plum and Monique Billings each added 10 points.

The United States also forced 15 steals, with Paige Bueckers and Howard recording three apiece, fueling transition offense throughout the game.

Clark said defensive pressure helped generate offensive rhythm.

“When we get stops like that, it lets us run,” Clark said. “We have so many players who can shoot it and make plays, so once the pace picks up it becomes really hard for teams to guard us.”

The Americans close group play Tuesday against Spain.