The NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars outscored Australia 44-20 in the second half on the way to cruising to a 83-56 win. It was the USA’s 7th straight win on the China tour and the first game the Americans have played in Changshu. A crowd of 3,146 was in attendance for the game in Changshu’s new arena.
The USA once again won the rebounding battle, this time by a 41-30 margin. Talia Caldwell led the Americans with eight boards. Australia was held to 1-of-18 on three-pointers by he USA’s perimeter defense.
The game was tied at 18 after the first quarter and the USA took a five-point lead into halftime. The Americans started the third quarter sloppily with five quick turnovers as Australia came within two points before the USA went on a 13-2 surge to take control of the contest. Taleya Mayberry had her second excellent game against Australia as she led the game in scoring with 20 points. China Crosby received increased playing time and responded with 13 points and four assists. Chelsea Poppens was the other American in double figures with 10 points.
Australia was led by Olivia Thompson and Amy Lewis with 17 points each. The USA has clinched at least a tie for the “Four Nations” title with a two game lead on China with two games remaining.
China escaped an upset bid from Hungary with a 74-72 win. 6’6 Hongpin Huang led China with 18 points and seven rebounds. 6’6 post Tijana Krivacevic led Hungary with 19 points and nine rebounds. Hungary was beaten at the free throw line as China had a 24-10 advantage on free throw attempts and were charged with nine more fouls than the Chinese.
Statistics
Chelsea Hopkins, PG (San Diego State) 0 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
Alexis Gray-Lawson, G (California) DNP – Injury
Aishah Sutherland, F (Kansas) 5 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Taleya Mayberry, PG (Tulsa) 20 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists
China Crosby, PG (Virginia) 13 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal
Tahnee Robinson, G (Nevada) 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Aulani Sinclair, F (Indiana) 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
Nikki Greene, C (Penn State) 4 points, 6 rebounds
Sarah Eichler, F (Green Bay) 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Chelsea Poppens, F (Iowa State) 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal
Jessica Lawson, C (South Florida) 2 points, 5 rebounds
Talia Caldwell, C (California) 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block
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