Sharp ball movement led by Taurasi and point guards Sue Bird (nine points, five rebounds, five assists) and Lindsay Whalen (six points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals) created a bevy of open looks, as the USA shot 55 percent from the floor with 23 assists on 41 made baskets. You definitely don’t want to miss a second of their quest for historic glory, so we’ve got the way to watch them play Senegal Aug. 7 via Live Stream! “That was crucial, and I thought we did a good job of that”. Later on, the fans even began booing the US whenever it touched the ball. Stewart, who won four titles under Auriemma at UConn, scored 15 points, tied for the team lead with Taurasi and Sylvia Fowles.
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“When we move the ball like that and the ball doesn’t get stuck and the defense has to guard us at all five spots on the floor, that’s just a tough task for anybody”, USA coach Geno Auriemma said, according to DailyNews.com.
Griner will get her first chance to go for the single-game mark against Senegal today when the USA women’s basketball team begins its Olympic play. “When we leave that locker room, we feel like the underdogs”.
Sue Bird wouldn’t let Spain get any closer. Elena Delle Donne and Brittney Griner are also first time Olympians making an impact for the United States. “Obviously, BG inside and E and Stewie on the perimeter, they’re just nightmares with their height and their shooting ability”. “Spain is a pretty good but when you look at our depth it starts to take its toll on the other team”. The Olympic newcomer got her first playing time of the tournament and scored five straight points as Spain trailed 54-37 at the half.
Breanna Stewart (right) and Brittney Griner (center) high-five Diana Taurasi after scoring during Team USA’s win over Spain.
Senegal was playing in its second Olympics. “I really don’t care, truthfully”, Bird said. “It was maybe the flawless way for this to start”.
Taurasi could have added that to the list of milestones the US reached Sunday at the Youth Arena. Comprised of 12 elite players and the best women’s players in the world, each and everyone can perform on head coach Geno Auriemma’s court.
“We played in Sao Paolo in the world championships and we played against Russia”, Bird said.
“More than anything, in regards to the score, it’s lovely basketball”. When we move the ball and everybody is just kind of like _ everybody’s doing their part _ screening, rolling, cutting to the basket _ you never know where the shot is going to come from. Senegal next faces China hoping for a much better outcome. The team tallied up 36 assists on their way to the rout. “Dunking is nice, but blocking shots helps us defensively and also can lead to offense”. That’s two consecutive contests the USA scored at least 100 points – the last time the Americans did that was in 2004. But to save time race officials dropped that requirement, plucked the Serbs from the water and gave them a pass to compete in the repechage. “I said, ‘Look, if I know I’m not ready and the knee’s swelling up, I’m pulling the pin.’ And they said fine, we trust you”. “But, we’re here for one reason, and that’s to win a gold medal”. Lucky for us, we have a lot of scorers. The Americans won all four by an average of almost 49 points.
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The United States women improve to 2-0 at the Rio Olympics with a 103-63 win over Spain on Monday.
