Ranking first in FIBA's official list for women's national teams, the U.S. also managed to come first in the so-called Death Group (Group C) of the competition, of which Russia ranked second, ahead of China and Nigeria.

U.S. forward Tina Thompson scored game-high 19 points, leading other three players in double digits: forward/center Candace Parker (17), forward DeLisha Milton-Jones (14) and forward/guard Diana Taurasi (11).

Center Maria Stepanova scored the most for Russia with 16 points.

The U.S. and Russia played the championship's last two final matches, in 1998 and 2002.

The United States is the greatest winner in the tournament history, winning seven titles, while the Soviet Union was a six-time winner. Following the extinction of the USSR, Russia never stood first on the podium again.

Apart from the Soviets and the Yankees, Brazil is the sole team to win a FIBA World Championship title, in Australia in 1994. Still in Group C, China plays Nigeria on Thursday night for a place in the quarterfinals at Jose Correa Arena in Barueri.