Big Syl helpd Team USA advance to Gold Medal game in the World Championships
After opening the game shooting 5-of-5 from the field to ignite an 11-1 run, the USA Basketball Women's World Championship Team (8-0) steadily improved its advantage throughout to easily secure a 106-70 win over Spain (6-2) that featured points from all 12 players and earned the USA its place in the 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medal game.
"I thought we played really, really well on offense," said USA and University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma. "Our defense got better and better as the game went on. We're about as ready as we can be going into tomorrow night."
The USA will battle host Czech Republic (6-2), which earlier today outlasted Belarus (4-4) 81-77 in overtime, for the gold medal at 8:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. EDT) on Oct. 3 in Karlovy Vary; while Spain will meet Belarus to play for bronze at 5:30 p.m. (11:30 EDT). The USA's final game, which will be played in front of a raucous crowd of Czech supporters, will air live on NBA TV, and fans can also watch live streaming of all FIBA World Championship games at www.FIBATV.com.
"Tomorrow night's going to be one of the most difficult challenges for this team," Auriemma continued. "You're playing the Czech Republic on their home court, with all their fans, in kind of a Cinderella run for them to get to this point. I think the emotions and the energy in this building is going to be a great place to be tomorrow night. I'm looking forward to it."
Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), who was 3-of-4 from 3-point, led four U.S. players in double figures with 14 points. That was followed by Sylvia Fowles (LSU/Chicago Sky) with 13 points and a game-high six rebounds, Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream) with 11 points and three steals and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) with 11 points and four assists.
Was the game as easy as you thought it would be?
Syl: No, it wasn’t easy. You have to go out there and be focused, but at the same time coach was on our butt, and he wants us to do exactly what he said to do. It was hard at times, but at the same time we were just playing USA Basketball.
You make it look so easy.
Syl: That’s funny that you say that. We haven’t been together that long. It’s all about trust and trusting these girls out there while you’re out there on the court with them. You just have to go with your gut feeling, go out there and play.
Are you looking forward to playing the home team tomorrow for the gold medal?
Syl: That’s what we’re here for. We prepared the whole time to come here to play this game, with their crowd, on their floor. It’s going to be very interesting. We’re looking forward to it. It’s going to be hard, but we’re willing to work for it.
Are you preparing any special tactics for this game?
Syl: Nothing special. We just have to go out and play the way we’re capable of playing. We’re going to play our game.
On the aggressive play of the USA’s post players:
Syl: Compared to a lot of people, we’re small. Coach always stresses to go out there and give it everything that you have. You just have to give 110 percent until you get tired and he pulls you out and put someone else in.
Did the 3-point scoring get started with the post play and enabled the perimeter to open it up?
Syl: Most definitely. When you going inside-out, it gets you going. But I think most definitely our defense set the tone on the other end. Once our defense is going, our offense just gets flowing on the other side.
Box Score: http://www.usabasketball.com/womens/national/10_wwc_game_08_box.html
