Senegal wasn’t much of a reliable measuring stick, but the USA did show it has assembled a roster that should be able to play whichever kind of game it needs.
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Geno Auriemma’s squad dominated in pretty much every single statistical category. Both Stewart and Delle Donne reached double figures in scoring by halftime, and Griner, who earned the start, provided a rim protector the likes of which the US has never had.
The 65-point victory margin surpassed the prior USA mark from a 107-47 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo set at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Rio visitors have been warned of the risk of muggings during the Olympics but Senegal still could not avoid a brutal beat down as the USA women’s basketball team began their bid for a sixth consecutive gold with a 121-56 rout on Sunday.
It was similar to the meeting between the teams in Chicago on July 29, when the USA shot poorly and still won by 35 points on their pre-Rio exhibition tour. Those twelve points more than doubled the five points that Senegal had in the entire first quarter.
Were trying to get better in every single game and you cant, you cant relax. “We hope to play even better in our next one”.
Each player on the United States roster scored in this game, which is good news for future matchups. “We really do. We feel like everyone’s against us, and those 12 players, five coaches and our fans, that’s what we go into the game with and try to protect that”. We just pulled it through, played together, aggressive, got transition buckets. “More than anything, regardless of the score, it’s lovely basketball. We’re sharing the ball”, Bird said.
The U.S. defense smothered Senegal all game long, forcing Senegal into BLANK turnovers. I know the score is, it is what it is. Because reigning WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne’s and Breanna Stewart’s positions on this team signal a changing of the guard is coming soon. Griner put up 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks.
Marta Xargay also scored 15 points for Spain, which is back in the Olympics for the first time since 2008.
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The Serbians made quite an impression in their Olympic debut with their up-tempo style of play. “It was maybe the ideal way for this to start”. “This is the second time for Senegal to be in the Olympics, and for our group, this is the first time”. Spain’s a really good team, but I think when you look at our depth and all the people that we have that can keep the pressure going, after a while it starts to take its toll on the other team. “We learned a lot of things today and hopefully, we’re going to take the things with us moving forward”.
