September 9 Preview: Who will make the Quarter-Finals?

Puerto Rico will fight it out against China, while Italy and Australia will go to ahead as all four nations look to extend their respective stays in Berlin.

Puerto Rico vs China

Key Matchup

As anticipated, Xu Han has been one of the stars of the tournament so far. Hugely popular not only with China fans, but right throughout women's basketball circles, the center is primed to lead her team into the last eight. She has accrued three double-doubles already.

The task of stopping her will likely fall to Imani McGee Stafford who has also been a colossus for Puerto Rico. Her size and ability to matchup with her counterpart in the paint will be priceless for the Islanders. The center has become the first player to grab 12 or more rebounds in their first three World Cup games.

Stats Don't Lie

Puerto Rico only turn the ball over 13 times per game compared to 19.3 for China. Additionally, they have twice as many fast break points and grab an average of 9.3 steals per game, with just 3.7 for their opponents.

China shoot the ball better across all categories, but especially from downtown at 32.8 percent against a worryingly low 25.9 for Puerto Rico.

The Killer Questions

Can Puerto Rico put pressure on China's guards and force them into turnovers and get some buckets in the open court? Trinity San Antonio has great hands and will be looking for plenty of steals as usual.

Can China dictate the tempo and likely look to make it a half-court game so they can utilize their size advantage inside? If they do, it will be interesting if Puerto Rico double the post and if China can exploit the space it leaves elsewhere on the floor.

Recent Game History

Both teams met at Paris 2024, with China taking an 80-58 group phase success in Lille. Guirantes starred for Puerto Rico with 20 points, but the overall depth of China proved to be too much.

There was also a meeting at the last edition of the World Cup in Sydney, when China won in the opening phase 95-60, on their way to eventually making the Final.

Italy vs Australia

Key Matchup

It will be fascinating to see who ends up with the task of guarding Opals' standout Ezi Magbegor. Italy have a lot of size in their frontcourt rotation and while position-wise it could be Lorela Cubaj who has the size, perhaps they will go another way to counteract the quickness, mobility and athleticism of Magbegor.

Stats Don't Lie

Italy are the worst three-point shooting team in the tournament and currently average only 16.1 percent from behind the arc, although the Opals are not shooting the lights out either at 25.8 percent.

Australia are dominant inside with 44 points in the paint compared to 25.3.

The Killer Questions

Can Italy push the reset button and pick themselves up mentally from the heartbreaking loss to USA and the subsequent defeat against China? Especially in terms of finding some offensive rhythm again, since only 55.3 points per game puts a big stress on their defense having to be incredible to dig out a win.

Can Australia bounce back from their loss to Belgium and get out running against Italy to stretch their opponents? Surely more of a 'run and gun' game will suit the Opals who look to have way more firepower.

Recent Game History

There is no recent game history between both nations, with Italy back in a global competition for the first time this century. The teams met at the 1994 edition of the Women's World Cup, with Australia taking a 73-51 success.

FIBA