Canada cruised past China to open up their run in the Olympics women’s basketball competition, winning 90-68
In the Olympics women’s basketball competition at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the two favorites in USA and Australia were quite clear from the qualifying tournaments and other competitions. After that, though, it’s been a proverbial roll of the dice as to who could take home bronze or, dare I say, try to usurp one of the favorites. On Day 1 in Rio, both Canada and China had a chance to make their case for being that team as they squared off.
Next: 30 Olympic Athletes Who Dominated Their Events
Right from the opening tip-off, though, it became clear that Canada was in a different class of China, at least on this day. Tamara Tatham started tearing up the Chinese women in virtually every facet of the game and put the Canadians up 10 points after just the first quarter. Though the lead was only 11 points at halftime, Canada was still firmly in control of the proceedings.
They remained even more firmly in control after the break as they only continued to add to their lead. While Tatham and Lizanne Murphy kept scoring for Canada, it was their captain Kim Gaucher doing all of the dirty work and ultimately securing the cruising victory for Canada to start their Olympics women’s basketball outing with a 90-68, win.
Three Stars
Tamara Tatham, Canada – 20 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals
Kim Gaucher, Canada – Three points, 10 rebounds, seven assists
Nan Chen, China – 13 points, three rebounds, one steal, one block
Next Game
Canada’s next matchup in Olympics women’s basketball competition will be against Serbia on Monday, August 8 at 1:15 p.m. ET.
China will also play again on Monday, facing off with Senegal at 6:45 p.m. ET.