The USA got it going offensively tonight as their guards were on the attack leading them to 47 first half points and 90 for the night, the highest total of any team so far in the tourney. The Americans were led in scoring by Katie Bussey (Montana St.) who was celebrating her birthday and did so in style by scoring 23 points on 9/12 shooting including 5 three’s.
Katie cutting her birthday cake
Four players scored in double figures, Bussey, Casey Garrison (Missouri State) 16, Rebekah Gardner (UCLA) 14, and post player Rachael Hackbarth (Drake) had 11. The Americans shot 50% from the floor and made 8 three’s on the night.
The Aussies were led by Tiana Mangakahia who had 4 assists and really ran the team, Alanna Smith had 10 points and Amanda Meinking had 9.
Comments from Head Coach NetScouts Basketball’s Chris Denker:
First off, what a night for Katie! She celebrated her birthday in grand style and just continues to get more comfortable with each game. Casey has been terrific for us and has stepped up her scoring the past two game and Bek continues to play well.
Happy Birthday Katie!
Talisa Rhea had some beautiful passes tonight and the ability to have all of our perimeter players handle the ball is really key to our transition game.
We out-rebounded them 32-22 and our Portland duo led the way, Nikki with 7 and ReZina with 5 from the guard spot. Kali chipped in with 4 steals, part of a 20 steal team effort, Casey also had 4.
Stats:
Katie Bussey (Montana State) 23 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Casey Garrison (Missouri State) 16 points, 4 steals
Rebekah Gardner (UCLA) 14 points, 4 rebounds
Jasmin Holliday (Oregon) 6 points, 2 steals
Nicky Day (Portland) 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
Rachael Hackbarth (Drake) 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
Talisa Rhea (Seattle U/Oregon State) 6 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
ReZina TecleMariam (Portland) 5 rebounds, 1 assist
Kali Bennett (Arizona State) 4 points, 4 steals
Jalana Childs (Kansas State) 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal
Coach Chris with Chinese Head Coach
Random Thoughts:
-All of the teams, players and coaches are getting along very well. I think this will be a great memory for everyone to look back on one day.
Wow. Great series team USA!! Loved the picture of the Chinese coach, in her Netscouts tee shirt , with Coach Denker. It sounds like memories are being made. Good job all!!
Bobbe
Congrats U.S.A! I too LOVE the picture of Coach Chris and the Chinese Head Coach. It looks like you are all having a wonderful time:)
Gigi
Coach Chris is a popular guy!
Carl Berman
Thanks for the comments! Coach Lisa is a good coach and very nice person, speaks pretty good English too! LOVED her NetScouts Shirt!!
Chris
Chris Denker
Way to goTeam USA and Happy Birthday Katie!!! What a great game and wonderful picture of Coaches Chris and Lisa. The smiles radiate warmth and camaraderie. What a marvelous experience for everyone!! Makes me wish I was tucked away in someone’s suitcase. Thank you for the ongoing coverage Carl!
– Marjorie
Marjorie Vanterpool