Behind 18 points from Candace Parker and 15 points from Tina Thompson, Team USA
dismantled Lithuania, 90-56. After a tight first quarter, the Americans
outscored the Lithuanians 42-11 in the next two quarters. Alana Beard had 8
points, 3 steals and 2 assists. Next up are the Russians, who narrowly
defeated Spain in their quarterfinal matchup. The Russians always play well
against their arch-rivals, so the US can expect a tough matchup in the semis.
Brilliant three point shooting is what gave the USA a fairly easy win the first
time, but their shooting stroke has abandoned them the last couple of games.
Given Russia's size, it's imperative that the US hit those jumpers. In other
action, Australia beat a pesky French squad and host Brazil upset the Czech
Republic. In fact, the Brazilians stomped the Czechs, and they will likely
give Australia everything they can handle as well.
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