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Team USA Women's Basketball Grabs 86-69 Victory Over Host Japan

Date: July 30, 2021

By: Kahlei Smith

Brittney Griner tries to score against Japan's defenders in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Kareem Elgazzar/USA TODAY Sports

The USA women's basketball team (2-0) pulled away early against Japan (1-1) in an 86-69 victory and clinched a spot in the quarterfinals of the tournament. With the win, they continue their hot streak of 51 consecutive Olympic games with a victory.

Team USA certainly utilized their size advantage in the frontcourt as A'ja Wilson led with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Breanna Stewart went for 15 points and 13 rebounds while Brittney Griner had 15 points and five rebounds. In the backcourt, Diana Taurasi finished with 11 points, while Jewell Loyd added 12 points and four rebounds off the bench. 

Although Team Japan is relatively small with their average height being 5-foot-9, they relied on their quickness to get to the basket and ability to shoot from three. While USA went on a 7-0 run early in the first quarter, Japan picked up the pace and knocked down six three-pointers to give them a 30-28 lead at the first break. USA had five three-pointers with Stewart leading the team with nine points within that time span. 

Team USA turned up the defensive pressure in the second quarter, limiting Japan to shoot 1-of-11 from three. Japan only scored 10 points in the quarter heading to the second half down 49-40.  

"Our post players having to guard the three-point line," head coach Dawn Staley said on USA's defensive struggles. "They're so used to getting back in transition, it takes them a while to adjust to stopping at the three-point line (to pick up their player)."

Japan closed the lead by five in the third quarter, but eventually USA pulled away as the frontcourt asserted their dominance inside the paint. Wilson scored eight of her 20 points in the quarter as USA led 65-53. Team USA had a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter, going on a 10-0 run to seal the deal for the win.

Although Team USA got off to a better start against Japan than Nigeria, they still struggle to find their rhythm. In their past three games, Team USA has averaged 20 turnovers while committing 17 against Japan. Sue Bird, who has struggled to shoot the ball in the past two games, shot just 1-of-8 from the field. However, the frontcourt has remained consistent, with A’ja Wilson recording her second double-double of the tournament.

Team USA is looking to remain undefeated in Group B play as they face France on Monday, Aug. 2 at 12:40 a.m. (EDT). 

Kahlei Smith can be reached at kahlei.smith@student.shu.edu.

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