BRIDGEPORT (FIBA World Championship for Women) - It's been an eventful couple of days for reigning FIBA World Championship for Women champions USA after they opted to release four players prior to defeating Canada in a preparation match-up.

Geno Auriemma and his team completed a 76-51 victory against their neighbours in what was a send-off triumph for their fans ahead of departing for Europe this week as they continue their pre-tournament schedule.

However, the win was achieved without a quartet of players who were all cut from the lengthy candidate list ahead of the game in Bridgeport.

The Selection Committee decided to dispense with Briann January and Danielle Robinson, along with Bria Hartley and Chiney Ogwumike who had been late additions to the training camp after impressing with their respective WNBA seasons.

Following on from a success in scrimmage game against their opponents, the USA arose from their early slumber to step on the accelerator in the second half as they posted 13 unanswered points to ease to the win.

Nneka Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks was the only player to reach double-digits with 10 points while Odyssey Sims of the Tulsa Shock and Breanna Stewart of UConn, both added nine points in what was a fairly balanced offensive strategy from the FIBA World Champions.

Stewart, who is heading into her junior NCAA year and has dazzled at youth level for her country, is currently the youngest player being considered and enjoying the experience.

"I think that obviously I want to try and get better and improve every day," she stated.

"I just want to be able to continue this journey with the team as long as they go."

At the other end of the spectrum is veteran playmaker Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm who is still going strong at 33-years-old and knows that her nation's unrivalled depth is their strongest factor.

"Usually what wears teams down is our depth," she said - hoping she will be handed the chance of treading the hardwood for USA at a record-breaking fourth FIBA World Championship for Women.

"I think over the course of a game, when we are constantly subbing and throwing fresh legs at you, it's hard to play only seven or eight people.  So that is generally our biggest advantage."

The USA team is now heading to Paris for three further exhibition games against Australia, China and France in order to help finalise their roster.

"We'll find out more when we get to France and we play three games in three days," said head coach Geno Auriemma.

"The competition is going to be really good so we'll find out a lot about ourselves and about these young girls.

"We'll see if they can play at that level so, by next Monday, I'll know a lot more than I know right now."

An announcement is expected very soon about which of the seven WNBA finalists will accompany the team in Europe.

This could include an update on the health of potential debutantes, Brittney Griner and Elena Delle Donne, who could yet may be ruled out with injuries.

Auriemma has also confirmed center Sylvia Fowles has been ruled out of contention with a foot injury.

FIBA