HoopWatch

The USA Women’s Basketball team suffered the same fate as their men’s team did - they lost in the semifinals, falling short of the gold medal, and will just shoot for bronze on Saturday Night at the Worlds. Team USA was upset by Russia 68-75 Thursday night. They fell behind by as much as 20 in the third. They fell short in their comeback bid.

Diana Taurasi scored 21 points and Tina Thompson added 15 for the USA who ended a 50 game winning streak in international tournaments dating back to a bronze medal finish at the 1994 Worlds. They lost to Brazil 107-110 in the semifinals.

Many times in the past, the women’s team accomplished what the men’s team failed to. This time, it’s different. Neither team was able to capture a first place finish. Prior to this semifinal game, USA has had whopping victories against their opponents with an average winning margin of 28.42 points including a ten point victory against Russia in group competition.

Just like their men counterpart, their poor shooting has caught up with them shooting just 46.1% from the line and 36.3% percent from beyond the arc. Also, Russia had one of their best nights, as much as Greece was lucky hitting their outside shots against USA’s men’s team.

However, there is no time for them to mourn over their defeat since they will have to face Brazil in the bronze medal game. They would not want to go home without a medal. They are being led by WNBA All-Stars Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson, Diana Taurasi, Cheryll Ford, Sue Bird and Candace Parker.

Russia will battle unbeaten Australia for the gold medal who boasts of WNBA stars Penny Taylor and Seattle Storm forward Lauren Jackson. (pics courtesy of www.wnba.com, usabasketball.com)