Group D review - Czechs thrill home fans with big win

BRNO (FIBA World Championship for Women) - The Czech Republic electrified their home crowd with a 67-53 triumph over Argentina in their Group D opener on Thursday.

With a 33-29 lead early in the third quarter, Lubo Blazek's side went on a 17-2 run to build an 18-point advantage and cruised the rest of the way.

"It was important for us to start this tournament with a win," said Czech forward Eva Viteckova, who had 10 of her game-high 16 points in the first half.

"We were nervous as we had never played in front of a big crowd and after months of training, we were anxious for the competition to begin.

"The atmosphere in the arena was fantastic."

With every steal, fast-break and made shot triggering standing ovations and the beating of drums from the passionate fans inside the packed Vodova Arena, the Czechs stormed to a 31-15 with four minutes remaining in the first half.

Argentina hit back with a 10-2 run to cut the deficit to 33-25 at half-time.

Marina Cava and Noelia Mendoza poured in four points apiece in that surge for the South Americans.

Czech center Jana Vesela greatly contributed with 13 points and 14 rebounds as well as coming up with three of her team's eight steals.

Ivana Vecerova chipped in with nine points, six rebounds and three blocked shots.  Afterwards she visited with FIBATV.com.

Argentina were out-rebounded 40-29.

"We played with heart but it was not enough against a team that is physically stronger and more talented than us," said Cava.

Earlier in the day, Russia claimed a comfortable 86-63 victory over Japan.

Leading 43-38 at half-time, Boris Sokolovskiy's side held Japan to just five points over the next six minutes as they went on a 21-5 run to take command, 64-43 with 3:39 to go in the quarter.

"Their defense in the second half was amazing, that's why we couldn't score," said Japan coach Fumikazu Nakagama.

Russia out-rebounded Japan 62-28 and scored 29 points on second-chance points.

"Because of that, we had a good situation for second-chance points," said Russia coach Boris Sokolovskiy. "I am satisfied with how my players executed our game plan."

Japan point guard Juko Oga's jumper at the start of the final stanza cut the deficit 70-55 but that is as close as Japan came.

Red-hot Oga had 12 of her game-high 23 points in the first half.

Stepanova, who visited with FIBATV.com after the win, poured in 17 points and seven rebounds in 13 minutes on the floor but Russia also got a huge contribution from experienced pair Irina Osipova with 18 and captain Ilona Korstin with 15.

Russia take on the Czech Republic on Friday while Japan square off against Argentina.

Group D games live on FIBATV.com September 24th:

Japan vs. Argentina - 11.00 GMT - Live on FIBATV.com
Russia vs. Czech Republic - 16.00 GMT - Live on FIBATV.com

FIBA