The US Junior World Championship team finished a perfect 5-0 in the
qualifying round, whipping a previously undefeated Russia team 99-80.
The Russians actually had a 3 point halftime lead, but a 29-10 third
quarter put them away. Alana Beard had 28 points on 11-18 shooting,
including 2-4 from three. He also had 4 assists and 2 steals. If she
shoots this way next year, watch out. The US was aided by 14 missed free
throws by Russia, because the rebounding and turnover numbers were
identical. The other big-time player on the US squad is UConn's Diana
Taurasi, who scored 24, hit 4-9 from three and grabbed 9 boards. She
will be one of the players who will provide the most competition for
Alana's national player of the year hunt.
The US enters the medal round on Saturday, most likely against the Czech
Republic, a team that will have an enormous home court advantage.