USA storms into semis showdown vs Canada

SYDNEY – Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas nailed 13 points and 14 rebounds as an all-conquering United States closed in on an 11th title after setting up a women’s basketball World Cup semifinal against Canada Thursday.

Guard Kelsey Plum added a game-high 17 points in a 88-55 pummelling of Serbia, with the three-time defending champions strong on both offense and defense.

They will meet Canada in Sydney on Friday after the world No. 4 swept past Puerto Rico 79-60.

China faces France, and host Australia – the beaten 2018 finalist – takes on Belgium later Thursday in the other last-eight clashes.

The US victory made it a 10th consecutive World Cup that the Americans have gone undefeated before the last four, with coach Cheryl Reeve content despite a slow start, when they trailed for the first time all tournament, falling behind 11-7.