June 30, 2007

Moscow, Russia -

Box Score
Download Free Acrobat Reader

The USA Basketball Women's U21 World Championship Team (2-0) wasted no time in making a statement against rival Brazil (0-2) and finished with a dominating 96-40 victory on Saturday night at the 2007 FIBA U21 World Championship in Moscow, Russia. Four USA team members scored in double digits, including Auburn's DeWanna Bonner who put up 12 points and seven rebounds.

"I was so impressed with our start," said USA U21 National Team and Duke University head coach Joanne P. McCallie. "The first five really came out moving the basketball well, playing together as a team and were very, very committed defensively. I thought the message was sent in the first quarter. From there we continued to build on it. We're getting better, we're trying not to be too concerned about these teams. Obviously we need to be ready, but we think it's about us, about us getting better and challenging ourselves to play every minute. We definitely did more of that tonight."

Overall, the U.S. shot 50 percent (37-74 FGs) for the game, but a mere 9.5 percent (2-21 3pt FGs) from beyond the arc, while holding Brazil to a frigid 22.6 percent (14-62 FGs) from the field and 15.0 percent (3-20 3pt FGs) from 3-point. The USA was huge on the glass, accounting for a 59-24 advantage and had 21 offensive boards. However, both teams coughed up the ball 27 times.

The American women continue play on July 1 against Hungary at 6:45 a.m.CT. Following a day off, the USA resumes preliminary round play on July 3 against Spain at 4:30 a.m. CT and on July 4 the squad will celebrate the country's birthday with a 2:15 a.m. CT tip against Japan. Quarterfinals are slated for July 6, the semifinals will be held on July 7 and the finals are scheduled for July 8.

Photo provided by USA Basketball.