Red-hot tournament favourites the United States have strolled into the women's basketball World Cup final by thrashing rivals Canada 83-43 in Sydney.
Never seriously threatened by their opponents, the US remains the only side undefeated at the tournament and are now one win away from a fourth consecutive World Cup title.
USA restricted Canada to the lowest score ever recorded in a World Cup semi-final and relegated them to Saturday's third-place match, where they will hope to clinch their first medal in this event since 1986.
"I was really pleased with our team's attention to detail in the scouting report," USA coach Cheryl Reeve said.
"Canada is a very good defensive team, so that was a quality win for us.
"Our goal is to win the gold medal and we're in a position to do that."
After being tested by Serbia early in their quarter-final, USA ran out to a 15-0 lead against Canada, leaving their opponents to play catch-up for the remainder of the game.
They were much too fast on transition for the Canadians, who appeared overawed by the game's frenetic pace, especially in the opening exchanges.
Even when Canada could set their defence, the USA had little trouble maintaining their lead through sharper shooting.
Canada did not sink a basket until midway through the first quarter and finished the term having shot at 11 per cent from the field.
They were able to stem the bleeding in patches, starting the second quarter strongly, but there was no breaking through the resolute American defence to close the gap.
Kahleah Copper missed the semi-final with a hip injury and is no guarantee to return for the USA's final match of the tournament.
"She's not been ruled out, so there's a chance," Reeve said.
The Americans had no shortage of firepower, despite her absence.
Canada had no answers for American guard Chelsea Gray, who recorded more assists than in any other match of the tournament (eight) and more than the entire Canada team in Friday's game (five).
USA captain Breanna Stewart was back on song after a quiet game in the quarter-final, sinking four baskets from deep in a total of 17 points.
Firmly in the frame for the tournament's All-Star Five, Alyssa Thomas led her USA teammates for rebounds, steals and assists coming into the semi-final and was again prominent with 10 points and three rebounds.
The reigning WNBA Defensive Player Of The Year, A'ja Wilson became the third American to record a double-double this tournament, knocking down 15 points to go with a game-high 12 rebounds.
Both sides rested their star players in the final quarter in preparation for the medal round as USA notched their 29th consecutive victory at the women's World Cup in emphatic fashion.
Despite the loss, Canada coach Victor Lapena said his side could be proud of making it through the competitive Group B and into the final four.
"Before we came here, we didn't expect to be in a semi-final but on the other hand we didn't think we were not able to do it," he said.
"I'm very happy with our group because all games were difficult for us.
"For our team, looking towards the future ... (the World Cup) was very, very important."
