Rio 2016: Team USA tested early, pull away from Japan in quarterfinals
Team USA found themselves clawing for breathing room early against Japan, but used a monster second half to advance them in Olympics women’s basketball
To say that Team USA came into the Olympics women’s basketball quarterfinals on Tuesday having not been tested would basically be the truth. Serbia put them to the test for about 13 minutes of game action, but then lost by 26 points. However, it looked as if the Americans might’ve found themselves a worthy adversary on Tuesday in the form of Japan.
Despite Team USA boasting the best frontcourt at Rio 2016 in Brittney Griner and Tina Charles in the starting lineup, the Japanese women came to attack with no fear. Ramu Tokashiki for Japan played wonderfully in terms of positioning on the interior against the much bigger opponents for the United States. Moreover, there was fantastic guard play for Japan in the first half from captain Asami Yoshida who made some beautiful entry passes.
Everything that the Americans had to pitch at Japan in the first half, they had an answer for. Subsequently, the tour de force known as Team USA went into halftime only up 10 points.
As Japan won’t soon forget, though, there were still 20 more minutes to play.
Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi began lighting it up in every way offensively and really taking over. As that spearheaded Team USA starting to pull away, it was their incredible defensive effort that delivered a Mortal Kombat style finisher. Creating turnovers and denying everything else, Team USA allowed only 18 points in the second half as a whole.
Needless to say, the United States pulled away as a result. When the final buzzer rang throughout Carioca Arena, the Americans had secured a 110-64 victory to move on to the Olympics women’s basketball semifinals.
Three Stars
Maya Moore, USA – 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, one steal
Diana Taurasi, USA – 19 points, three rebounds, three assists
Elena Delle Donne, USA – 11 points, six rebounds, three assists.
Next Games
Team USA will be waiting for the winner of France vs Canada to end Tuesday’s action. That game will take place on Thursday, August 18.
Japan’s Rio Olympic Games are over with the loss.