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Thanks to ESPNU for providing quality coverage of this game, at least to those of us who have a DVR. The rumor was that the broadcast would be on early this morning, and it was, providing an opportunity to, at last, see a game on TV in this series.
Hungary, had a good defensive plan to start the game as they pretty much shut down a bigger and more talented USA squad. The USA seemed to be using the first half as a practice session to get their act together, so I primarily intended to evaluate the players as individuals instead of as a cohesive team. In this regard, I was impressed with the speed and overall ability of McCall (7-11 for 14 pts, 5 reb) who was very comfortable in the post as well as further from the basket.
As the game progressed, the team's cohesiveness improved considerably. In the 2nd half, Brionna Jones used her bulk to good advantage as she scored and rebounded while scattering Hungarian players like candlestick pins. Six for six shooting for 15 and team lead rebounder with 7.
Sydney Wiese was a standout hitting 5 for 6 for 13 points and picked off 5 rebounds. Jordin Canada was 0-8 in shooting but had 6 steals of the team's 20.
The only disappointment was the play of Mercedes Russell. I was expecting a good game from her based on news of her the previous games, but in this game she failed in all aspects. Although she seemed to be keeping up sprinting back on defense, once she got there she basically stood around and allowed Hungary to gain superior rebound positioning, and was unable to get open to receive passes into the post. Basically, she had no quickness. (I was wondering if her feet are still bothering her). All this resulted in 3 pts and 3 rebs in 21 minutes. But, not to worry, as the bottom of the bench did a great job extending a small lead to 41 points in the second half.
Next up - Japan.
Link for article and box score:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2015/07/wwug-quarterfinal-usa-defeats-hungary.aspx
Hungary, had a good defensive plan to start the game as they pretty much shut down a bigger and more talented USA squad. The USA seemed to be using the first half as a practice session to get their act together, so I primarily intended to evaluate the players as individuals instead of as a cohesive team. In this regard, I was impressed with the speed and overall ability of McCall (7-11 for 14 pts, 5 reb) who was very comfortable in the post as well as further from the basket.
As the game progressed, the team's cohesiveness improved considerably. In the 2nd half, Brionna Jones used her bulk to good advantage as she scored and rebounded while scattering Hungarian players like candlestick pins. Six for six shooting for 15 and team lead rebounder with 7.
Sydney Wiese was a standout hitting 5 for 6 for 13 points and picked off 5 rebounds. Jordin Canada was 0-8 in shooting but had 6 steals of the team's 20.
The only disappointment was the play of Mercedes Russell. I was expecting a good game from her based on news of her the previous games, but in this game she failed in all aspects. Although she seemed to be keeping up sprinting back on defense, once she got there she basically stood around and allowed Hungary to gain superior rebound positioning, and was unable to get open to receive passes into the post. Basically, she had no quickness. (I was wondering if her feet are still bothering her). All this resulted in 3 pts and 3 rebs in 21 minutes. But, not to worry, as the bottom of the bench did a great job extending a small lead to 41 points in the second half.
Next up - Japan.
Link for article and box score:
http://www.usab.com/news-events/news/2015/07/wwug-quarterfinal-usa-defeats-hungary.aspx
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