Scoreboard
USA 79, Serbia 59
What went down
Team USA is one win away from earning their seventh straight gold medal after dominating Serbia, 79-59, in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics. The win marked the US women’s 54th consecutive victory on the Olympic stage.
The US struggled to make baskets in the opening minutes because of Serbia’s tough defense but picked up the pace and started to hit their shots, maximizing their size advantage over their opponents.
The Americans dominated the boards and in the paint in the first quarter, but things looked like it was shifting the other way when the second period came around. Serbia picked up their defense and finally made their shots from downtown. On the other hand, Team USA had a tough time making shots until the 11-2 run they had right before halftime
By the time they entered the second half, it seemed like the game was already decided. Team USA led by 18 points and continued to dominate all throughout. Serbia had a couple of quick runs, but the more experienced Team USA came out victorious and advanced to the finals.
🇺🇸 #USABWNT will play for a SEVENTH consecutive Olympic gold medal at #Tokyo2020! 🥇@brittneygriner 15 PTS, 12 REB@cgray209 14 PTS@breannastewart 12 PTS, 10 REB pic.twitter.com/tBuJHZ518L
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) August 6, 2021
Big-time baller
Brittney Griner put in the work and snagged a double double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Griner dominated the boards and grabbed six of them in the third quarter alone. Her size advantage also made her a key piece on the defensive end as she helped limit the Serbians to only 33 percent from 2-point territory.
What she said
Breanna Stewart also had an amazing performance -- a double double of 12 points and 10 rebounds plus three assists.
“This is exactly where we want to be,” she said after the game. “Everything is on the line. We’re going to do what we can to make sure we come home with a gold.”
Stewart won her first gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
What’s in a number?
Yes, the US had a huge win today, but the way that they played defense made the difference.
When the US hit a scoring standstill in the second quarter, it would have been the perfect opportunity for Serbia to stage a comeback. But Team USA held the Serbians to only 28 percent from the field. That allowed the Americans to establish and maintain their double-digit lead.
--
Double Data is back on Prepaid Home WiFi! Enjoy 140GB double data for all sites with FamLoad 999, best value for 30 days! Exclusive offer on the GigaLife app. Download now!
