Daishan, China – Despite struggling shooting efforts from both teams, The NetScouts Basketball Women’s USA All-Stars used strong transition points in the third quarter to pull away from a disciplined Lithuania team 76-68 tonight in Daishan. Brittany Crain led the winners with 20 points.
The Americans only shot 18 percent from the three point line but used 16 transition points to none for Lithuania to put their lead to double digits in the third quarter. Despite Lithuania shooting only 19 percent from long-distance, the young group showed talent and effort and showed why they were selected to travel to China. Lithuania took advantage of mismatches to stay within single digits for most of the game.
The USA All-Star coaching staff feels the teams needs to improve their rhythm offensively as they were outscored in two of the four quarters. At times the team feeds off of each other well and when they have good pressure defense, they do force many turnovers and can push the ball well in transition. The Americans were led in scoring by Crain, of Cal-Riverside, who shot 50 percent from the two point line on the way to her game high total. Lexi Peterson (Oregon) hit double-figures for the second straight game with 12 points and Shelby Cheslek (Gonzaga) did as well, scoring ten points and had a game-high 14 rebounds with nine of them coming on the offensive end.
Finishing the scoring out for the USA All-Stars was Marquelle Dent (Wyoming) with eight points and five assists. Danielle Rodriquez (Utah) chipped in five points, two rebounds and three steals. Jazmine Perkins (Washington State) shot almost 60 percent from the field and threw in eight points, seven rebounds and led the team in fast break points with three. Taila Walton (Washington) had nine points and eight rebounds and Kaylon Williams (Oklahoma) finished with four points, four rebounds and led the team with three blocked shots.
Despite not scoring any transition points and not shooting well on three-pointers and free throws (23-of-33), Lithuania used their quickness and took advantage of mismatches towards the end of the game to always stay within single digits. Lithuania did take a one-point lead in the second quarter but the Americans would always answer with a short run of their own. Four Lithuanians scored in double-figures; Martyna Petrenaite, Karolina Visockaite and Livija Kaktaite with 12 points and Rasa Knyzaite added 11.
The Americans will face a Chinese squad that pulled off a close 71-70 victory tonight over a feisty Australian team. China and the USA All-Stars are both 2-0 so tomorrow’s game is sure to be a tough contest.
Brittany Crain
NetScouts Basketball USA All-Stars
Marquelle Dent (Wyoming) 8 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
Danielle Rodriguez (Utah) 5 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals
Lexi Petersen (Oregon) 12 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 4 steals
Brittany Crain (UC Riverside) 20 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block
Jaime Patrick (Colorado State) DNP
Jazmine Perkins (Washington State/Finland) 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals
Stephanie Lee (Northern Colorado/Germany) 0 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 block
Talia Walton (Washington) 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
Kaylon Williams (Oklahoma) 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks
Shelby Cheslek (Gonzaga) 10 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist
Thanks to Ryan Johnson and David Huss for their reports from China.
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