Basketball On The Internet.

THE USA opened the FIBA Women's World Cup in Sydney today with a convincing 87-72 win over Belgium to reinforce its Gold Medal favouritism, former WNBL import Betnijah Laney high among the defending champion's best, though Breanna Stewart clearly was the standout. 

Stewart led all scorers with 22 points, Jewell Loyd also red hot as the US shot from the blocks in a 12-0 start which pushed Belgium onto the back foot from the get-go.

The Belgians battled gamely but any time they truly threatened, the Americans rose a level to again keep their opponent stuck in a match-long game of catch-up.

Laney, who played WNBL for Bendigo Spirit and Perth Lynx but is a WNBA star now for Opals coach Sandy Brondello at New York Liberty, worked hard at both ends of the floor as the US sat out superstars A'Ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Plum in a further show of its depth and talent.

Australia opens its account this evening against France in what should be a memorable contest at Qudos Bank Arena.

The roof is sure to lift when 41-year-old veteran superstar Lauren Jackson is introduced into the game, the home crowd support likely to be a big asset for the Opals.

TODAY: Group A: Puerto Rico 82 d Bosnia Herzegovina 58; USA 87 d Belgium 72. Group B: Canada 67 d Serbia 60; Japan 89 d Mali 56.