FIBA U19W - Superpowers face off for first place in Group B

PUERTO MONTT (2011 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women) - Old rivals Russia and the USA meet in an intriguing match-up likely to decide first place in Group B, as the action heats up on day two at the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women in Chile.

On day one, both teams overcame a case of the wobbles in the third quarter to secure double figure victories, but both coaches know that only a near-four quarter effort will secure a win over their traditional rivals.

"We have to play to our best, we have to defend well and we have to rebound well," said Russia coach Olga Shuneykina. "This is a very important game for us."

The Russians blew Argentina away in the first half on Thursday behind the imposing figure of Ksenia Tikhonenko, who scored 18 points and pulled in 10 rebounds.

After half time it was a different story though. "It was a mental thing for us coming out of the locker room. Argentina came out ready, we had a problem," Shuneykina said.

At three quarter time they certainly did, as Argentina had closed from 17-37 at the long break to just six points in arrears. The Russians closed with confidence though, reserve guard Anastasia Pasynkova making a number of key plays in the 19-point victory.

The USA's third quarter was not much better, as Japan stormed back from 20 points behind to within eight late in the period. Like their European rivals, the US showed their class and ran out comfortable winners, but coach Jennifer Rizzotti thinks the Japanese challenge was a good wake up call.

"We need to make sure we have a complete team effort. I felt we had some individuals who played well today, but we need to play well as a complete team.

The Americans defeated the Russians in a practice game just a few days ago, but coach Rizzotti knows that game told only part of the story. "We have footage from the game we scrimmaged against them the other night.

"We will have a look at some of the things we didn't do so well today and see how we can do them a little better."

Rizzotti also thinks the controlled Russian style will suit her team better than the frantic Japan. "I think so, I think Japan did a good job of making us rush a little bit. They forced us into quite a few turnovers, but at the same time we were able to get some drives to the basket and some easy lay-ups. I think Russia will be harder to score on but definitely not as fast and not as intense as the Japanese players."
 
In another highly anticipated game on day two, China will be looking to bounce back when they take on Italy, after the pressure defense of Canada proved too much for the Asian champions on day one.

"We have to improve a lot of areas from today, particularly our rebounding and defense, and a lot of little things, said China coach Wang Guizhi.

"We should improve a lot on the rebounds. We have to improve our offence a lot, and play a lot more through the post," she added. "The players will be more comfortable playing against the European teams, but we should be ready for any type of game at a world championship."

Slovenia will also be looking to bounce back when they play the talented Brazil, following their stunning upset by Chinese Taipei, who recorded their first win in world championship history.  They now look to upset Spain, who fell to Brazil in a high standard game to close out day one.
 
In other games, Australia makes their first appearance at the tournament when they play hosts Chile, while Egypt will be looking to get their first win against Canada.

Paulo Kennedy

FIBA