Japanese ace Machida equals Olympic game-high assists record

TOKYO (Japan) - Guard Rui Machida had cause for double celebration: not only did she help Japan move into the Quarter-Finals of the of the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament, but she also equalled the event's all-time single-game assists record.

As Japan made it rain from long-range to the tune of 19 triples in their 102-83 win against Nigeria, Machida expertly pulled the strings and passed the rock 15 times that led to teammates scoring.

“OTHER PLAYERS AROUND ME WERE JUST RUNNING SO WELL AND SCORING ALL THOSE SHOTS, SO THEY WERE THE ONES THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE RECORD." - Rui Machida

 


Machida's mark equalled the game-high Olympic assists record held by Teresa Edwards of the USA. Edwards achieved her feat at the Atlanta 1996 Games where the Americans started their current streak of Olympic success that includes six consecutive medals - and counting .

After the contest, the humble Machida looked almost embarrassed by the accomplishment, stating: "I wasn't even aware of the number of assists I had when I was playing. I was not thinking about it and the other players around me were just running so well and scoring all those shots, so they were the ones that contributed (to the record)."

“RUI HAS BEEN WITH THE NATIONAL TEAM FOR A LONG TIME AS A BACKUP PLAYER... FOR HER TO TIE THE RECORD IS AMAZING." - Tom Hovasse

 
Japan head coach Tom Hovasse was quick to stress how impressive it was for Machida to have taken the record considering she has not always been a leading figure in the team. He also apologized to her for taking her out with seven minutes to play; he said he was unaware of a potential record in the mix.

"I already told Rui I was sorry. She had already played 20 minutes and I didnt know about the record," Hovasse said. "Rui has been with the national team for a long time as a back-up player. She has always been one of the most incredible passers and she really knows how to get ball to other players.

"For her to tie the record is amazing because there have been so many great Olympic players over the years," Hovasse added. "I am really happy she is getting noticed with this - it's fantastic." 

Women's Olympic Single-Game Assists Leaders

 FIBA