McConnell-Serio, Team USA Move to 2-0 at FIBA World Cup
7/23/2017 3:55:00 PM | Women's Basketball
United States Reaches 90-Point Mark for Second Consecutive Game
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CIVIDADE DEL FRIULI, ITALY – University of Pittsburgh women's basketball head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio and the United States U19 Women's Team the moved to 2-0 in Group A Play by defeating China (1-1), 91-51, at the 2017 FIBA World Cup at Pallazzetto dello Sport Sunday.
Team USA reached the 90-point mark for the second consecutive game, following a 95-58 defeat of Mali Saturday in Udine, Italy.
"Defensively, we tried to stay in place, limit penetration and really focus on defending their offense," McConnell-Serio said. "Our players came out with a focus and energy defensively, and we were really impressed with the way we defended dribble penetration, contesting shots. The first half, we limited them to 15 points. I think our defense created a lot of opportunities in transition and other scoring opportunities. Great first half coming out with a lot of energy."
The American women held China to 15 points and 16.7 percent shooting in the first half, using a 48-15 halftime lead en route to a 91-51 victory. Joyner Holmes contributed a team-high 14 points to go along with nine rebounds, as every member of the team put up points, including five in double digits.
PIKA RODRIGUEZ & TEAM PUERTO RICO
For the second consecutive game, incoming Pitt freshman Pika Rodriguez had 19 points for Puerto Rico (0-2) in a 69-52 loss to Egypt (1-1). She made 7-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-12 from long range with seven rebounds and two steals.
UP NEXT
Team USA will close out Group Play against host Italy at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday. Rodriguez and Puerto Rico will take on Russia at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Recaps of each day's competition will be posted to PittsburghPanthers.com.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
CIVIDADE DEL FRIULI, ITALY – University of Pittsburgh women's basketball head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio and the United States U19 Women's Team the moved to 2-0 in Group A Play by defeating China (1-1), 91-51, at the 2017 FIBA World Cup at Pallazzetto dello Sport Sunday.
Team USA reached the 90-point mark for the second consecutive game, following a 95-58 defeat of Mali Saturday in Udine, Italy.
"Defensively, we tried to stay in place, limit penetration and really focus on defending their offense," McConnell-Serio said. "Our players came out with a focus and energy defensively, and we were really impressed with the way we defended dribble penetration, contesting shots. The first half, we limited them to 15 points. I think our defense created a lot of opportunities in transition and other scoring opportunities. Great first half coming out with a lot of energy."
The American women held China to 15 points and 16.7 percent shooting in the first half, using a 48-15 halftime lead en route to a 91-51 victory. Joyner Holmes contributed a team-high 14 points to go along with nine rebounds, as every member of the team put up points, including five in double digits.
PIKA RODRIGUEZ & TEAM PUERTO RICO
For the second consecutive game, incoming Pitt freshman Pika Rodriguez had 19 points for Puerto Rico (0-2) in a 69-52 loss to Egypt (1-1). She made 7-of-19 from the field, including 5-of-12 from long range with seven rebounds and two steals.
UP NEXT
Team USA will close out Group Play against host Italy at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday. Rodriguez and Puerto Rico will take on Russia at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday.
Recaps of each day's competition will be posted to PittsburghPanthers.com.
#H2P | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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