US President George W. Bush sits with USA women's basketball president Val Ackerman during the women's preliminary basketball game between the United States and Czech Republic. (Photo credit: Getty)
(BEIJING, August 9) -- The US Women's Basketball team started their title-defending Olympic journey with a comfortable 97-57 win over Czech Republic on August 9.
The US team was favored in the match over World No. 9 Czech Republic. But the Czech Republic team took everybody by surprise with an 8-0 opener in the first quarter. The US team missed all of seven shots until guard Diana Taurasai made the first field goal in the first three minutes. Taurasai's basket led to a 17-9 run in the following four minutes from the United States, who eventually took the first quarter 22-17. Czech Republic shot 46% from the field this quarter with one field goal from each player.
The US team couldn't establish a solid lead until the middle part of the second quarter. After two free throws from guard Katie Smith, they extended their lead to 34-23. Czech Republic made their third field goal of this quarter with four minutes left, but failed to reduce the gap. The United States gradually gained their momentum and finished the first half 49-31 with a last-second 3-pointer from guard Cappie Pondexter.
Taurasi netted 13 points in the first half, topping her team. The United States had nine assists and grabbed 20 rebounds. Jana Vesela was the best scorer for the Czech Republic, dropping seven points. The team shot just 36% from the field and had 13 turnovers.
With 18 points lead in hands, United States started the third quarter with a 6-0 run, putting the game beyond doubt. After taking this quarter 26-13, they went on to finish the match 97-57.
US center Sylvia Fowles was the star of the match, dominating the paint with 16 points and 14 rebounds. Diana Taurasai added 17 points. Eva Viteckova was the top scorer for Czech Republic, dropping 12 points in 22 minutes.
United States will face host China on August 11 at 8:00 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8)
