After struggling to get going throughout much of the first half, Team USA went into the break up by only a point. The second half, however, was an entirely different story. The Americans picked up their defensive pressure and cleaned the backboards en route to a 44-14 second half and a 73-42 victory.Nicky Day (Portland) had 15 points while Rebekah Gardner (UCLA) continued to play well in China with 12 points. For the second night in a row the American team had balanced scoring (all ten scored) and saw contributions from every member in some fashion. Oregon’s Jasmin Holliday, a high school teammate of Gardner’s, had 8 rebounds while Kali Bennett (Arizona State), Rachael Hackbarth (Drake), and ReZina TecleMariam (Portland) had 6 boards each. Hackbarth’s effort included 5 offensive rebounds which ignited the American offense in the second half when they began to assert themselves inside the painted area.
Once again the USA defense played a key factor in the outcome of the game by forcing 26 turnovers and out rebounding the Kiwi’s 42-20.
The final game in Fuling will pit the Americans agains the home team, China at 9pm.
Comments from Head Coach, NetScouts Basketball’s Chris Denker
We started out a bit sluggish but give credit to the New Zealand bunch, they really came at us hard and played well in the first half. They particularly shot the ball well while we struggled to get shots to fall. I really felt like our effort picked up in the second half and we forced them into some turnovers which got our break going.
Ryan (Assistant Coach Ryan Johnson of Northern Colorado) and I really emphasized the importance of finishing possessions with a rebound and we had some players really going after the ball. Early in the 3rd, Z (ReZina) got back to back loose ball rebounds and that got everyone going. We also focused more on getting the ball inside to our posts who cannot only score but are also good passers and it really opened things up for us offensively.
T (Talisa Rhea, Seattle) was really good again tonight as was Bek (Gardner) and Katie Bussey made a couple of really nice plays in transition that I think will sort of break the ice for her and get her going.
I’ve also been impressed by how well this group is adjusting on the fly to whatever we throw at them. They’ve had a GREAT attitude, really seem to be enjoying themselves, their teammates, and the overall experience.
So here’s the real scoop, we only got 5 minutes of actual warm-up time after the China vs. Australia game went a bit long so maybe that is why we were so sluggish. Our hosts told me that perhaps we should go outside and do some warmup drills so I’ve requested a hoop be brought out to the parking lot tomorrow night in case that happens. I was only kidding of course.
Random Thoughts:
As far as I know, nobody tried the “Goose Intestine” on the lunch buffet but some players tried the Cow’s Tongue. I won’t name names, I just know they have more guts than I do.
Ryan is totally loving the food scene here, in fact he’s trying to eat soup with chopsticks.
Post-Game Meal with Fanny
Our team Hostess/Translator/Biggest Fan is a young woman named Fanny. She is awesome. The girls have really taken to her and I do believe Nicky is trying to sort out how we can sneak Fanny into her suitcase to bring with us to the next stop.
The drivers in this town honk their horns more than any other collective group of people alive, I am convinced of that.
We’ll be posting more photos as the trip progresses. We have some nice ones of the local area that I’ll try to get up later. For more photos (Lots!) you can check out the Fuling newspaper from this link. You can also read about (and look at photos) of the China-Australia contest from this link. Enjoy!
Stats
Katie Bussey (Montana State) 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
ReZina TecleMariam (Portland) 6 points, 6 rebounds
Talisa Rhea (Seattle) 9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals
Casey Garrison (Missouri State) 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assist, 1 steal
Rebekah Gardner (UCLA) 12 points, 2 steals
Jasmin Holliday (Oregon) 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals
Natalie Day (Portland) 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals
Jalana Childs (Kansas State) 2 points, 3 offensive rebounds, 2 blocks
Rachael Hackbarth (Drake) 7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block
Kali Bennett (Arizona State) 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks
Thanks to our players parents and college coaches for following us on this blog, the kids wanted me to thank you for that and let you know they are thinking of you.
Cheers and Go USA!
Chris
Chris Denker
Thank you for your ongoing coverage of the girls Chris. This is a wonderful experience for them and a great avenue for us to keep in touch and follow their progress. I was excited to read that the team won their game again today. Please let Nikki know that I love, miss her, and am very proud of her and Rezina. I will continue to follow your feeds and keep in touch.
Best Regards,
– Marjorie
Marjorie Vanterpool
Thank you, Chris, Ryan, and Carl for this AMAZING opportunity you’ve made possible for the girls! They seem to be meshing well together and having a great time in China experiencing all they have so far, as well as playing the game they love in a totally different environment. I just shake my head everytime I think about this wonderful experience you made happen for the girls. Unbelievable. Thank you. You are all in our prayers for safety, health, good food and referee calls! Go Team USA!!
Susie Garrison
Susie,
Thanks for the kind words. It is a great opportunity and the girls seem to be making the most of it. I’m the world’s pickiest eater so I might have some difficulty there!
-Carl
Carl Berman
Thank you for this, any news and photos are hugely appreciated. I’ve been trawling the internet for any information on this tournament. My daughter is in the NZ team. Having your blogs, feeds and links are fantastic, even with the losses these games are valuable. The crowd shots are amazing, just wish we were there. Like every parent away from their child, my mind has been put at ease with the updates. All the best with your tour.
Bronwen Davidson
Congratulations to your daughter, Penina Davidson, who was the high scorer for NZ team yesterday with 12pts (+5 reb) and congratulations to such excellent blog covering with information and photos this interesting tour.
carlo
Penina played great last night, she is a very good young player who has a bright future. We’ll keep you updated!
Chris
Chris Denker
Thanks so much for your blog, like Bronwen my daughter is in the NZ team and we would so love to be there. Up until tonight it’s been hard to find much information on the tournament. Your team sound like they are doing great and enjoying the experience. All the best for the rest of the tournament 🙂 Thanks again…..
Angela Wanoa
Thanks Angela, keep on checking back as we will be covering the event throughout. We’ll also be listing any other media links we can find. Cheers,
Carl Berman