SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The United States women’s national basketball team continued its strong start in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament with a dominant 91-48 victory over Puerto Rico on Thursday night.

The Americans took control early and never relinquished it, building a 24-7 first-quarter lead and extending the margin to 46-19 by halftime at Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan. The U.S. outscored Puerto Rico in every quarter and led by as many as 43.

Paige Bueckers led the United States with 16 points while adding four rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block in a balanced effort that saw every American player score. Angel Reese recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while Kelsey Plum added 12 points and Kiki Iriafen chipped in 10.

“We just wanted to come out and play together and be aggressive,” Bueckers said. “Everybody is capable of making plays, so when we move the ball and play unselfish, it makes the game easier for everyone.”

A quick start allowed American coach Kara Lawson to rotate freely and give all 12 players meaningful minutes.

The game marked another step in the development of a younger U.S. roster featuring several rising WNBA stars, including Bueckers, Reese and Caitlin Clark. The tournament is being used as preparation ahead of the Women’s World Cup later this year in Berlin.

Clark, who made her senior national team debut earlier in the tournament, said the experience of playing alongside elite talent has been valuable.

“I felt like I was playing fast, and that was my goal,” Clark said earlier in the event. “That’s what I know I can bring to this team.”

The United States meets Italy on Saturday at 4 p.m. and New Zealand on Sunday at 1 p.m.

United States Women’s National Team

At San Juan, Puerto Rico

Wednesday, March 11 Senegal W 110-46

Thursday, March 12 Puerto Rico W 91-48

Saturday, March 14 Italy, 4 p.m. (truTV, HBO Max)

Sunday, March 15 New Zealand, 1 p.m. (truTV, HBO Max)

Tuesday, March 17 Spain, 4 p.m. (truTV, HBO Max)