“That’s my level and that’s Japan’s level”. Subsequently, the tour de force known as Team USA went into halftime only up 10 points.
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Japan challenged US in the second set, as Ishii and Nagaoka stepped up on their game, but Larson and Hill benefited from Glass’ brilliant setting as they led the United States of America offense.
A fast-paced style of play focused on quick offense from Japan forced Team USA into a different tempo of play than they were used to.
The Japanese women’s basketball team talked the upbeat pre-game talk that any team worth a nickel usually does. “We had no chance winning when we were shooting like that, but they were just so strong”.
The Americans closed out pool play by trouncing China 105-62.
It’s one thing to stay close to the United States national team for a half, as Japan did when the teams met in the Olympic quarterfinals in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday.
“Others may have them, but I don’t”, said Kiraly, the only person to win gold as a player in beach and indoor volleyball and looking to become the first as a coach and player. That’s how good they are. Against the best defensive team in the world, balls are going to come back across the net. But they rebounded and played their way into their first Olympics since 2004 and fourth overall as the FIBA Asian champs in 2015.
Team USA was heavily favored entering the quarter-finals against Japan, but struggled to start the game, and only led by 10 at halftime.
“They are improving every minute of every day”, Auriemma said.
“When you look at the energy and heart, that’s where we were able to win out”.
We were especially taken with diminutive point guard Asami Yoshida.
Taurasi and Maya Moore led the US with 19 points apiece, Angel McCoughtry added 13, Elena Delle Donne had 11 and Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus had 10.
Mika Kurihara got Japan going right out of the gates in the 2nd quarter with a three-pointer.
The Americans, who will play the victor of France-Canada in the semifinals Thursday, apparently even impressed Japan.
Netherlands will play the victor of Tuesday’s Brazil-China showdown in the semis on Thursday before Saturday’s final and bronze medal matches.
“I just let it all hang out”, Taurasi said. I don’t know how they lost that game and I’m sure they’re kicking themselves over that.
“I’m proud of this team”. US succeeded in the first set with a significant lead and a great block on Japan captain Saori Kimura secured the set win 25-16.
Because the US women are so good, suspense is not easy to find. “This tournament is a big step on the way toward Tokyo 2020”.
Japan’s squad in Rio had an average age of just 24.8, with center Asako O the oldest player at just 28. I think we both do that.
“I feel like we got to put this game out of our mind”, said forward Danielle Page, who played in college in the U.S.at Nebraska.
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“The Olympics was great fun. She looks like she’s 17, I might try to sneak her in on one of my suitcases”.
