Americans crush Koreans by 76 points

SYDNEY – A rampant United States set a new all-time women’s basketball World Cup scoring record Monday with a 145-69 demolition of South Korea while Belgium booked a place in the quarterfinals.

Eight of the Americans’ 12-strong roster hit doubles figures, led by Brionna Jones with 24 points, eight rebounds and one assist in Sydney.

A’ja Wilson drilled 20 points and Breanna Stewart 18 as the three-time defending champions ran riot, with Shakira Austin netting a field goal with just seconds left to ensure the scoring record.

It was previously held by Brazil, which crushed Malaysia 143-50 in a group game at the 1990 tournament.

The United States had already qualified for the quarterfinals.