U.S. Rips Korea In Women's Hoops; Russia Up Next In Semis

August, 19, 2008 in Sports

By Norman Vergara -- AHN
IMAGE AP Photo/Eric Gay

21:41:14

Beijing, China (AHN) - The U.S. used Sylvia Fowles' double-double in points and rebounds to rout a smaller South Korea squad 104-60 in the quarterfinals of the women's Olympics basketball tournament Tuesday.

The Americans toyed with the Koreans for much of the first half then called on Fowles to take over.

The Chicago Sky center fired 26 points and 14 rebounds-four and five in the pivotal second period when the defending champions unloaded a 26-9 run.

The victory was the 31st straight for the U.S.-a streak that started since losing to the Unified Team in the 1992 Olympics. Next up in the semifinals is Russia, which advanced by beating Spain later in the night 84-65.

Aside from the unprecedented streak in the quadrennial event, the Americans have now advanced to the medal round for the sixth straight Olympics.

The boycott-marred Moscow Games in 1980 was the only time they didn't make the semifinals.

Russia placed second in Group A behind winner Australia. The U.S., meanwhile, was tops in Group B, with an average winning margin of 43 points against its foes.

The other semifinal pits host China against Australia. Both games will be played Thursday night with the bronze and gold medal games scheduled Saturday night.

Diana Taurasi finished with 12 points for the U.S., with Cappie Pondexter adding 11. Fowles made 12 of 17 shots, including eight offensive rebounds.

South Korea, which went 2-3 in Group A, was led by Kim Kwer-yong's 14 points and Beon Yung-ha and Jung Sun-min, who chipped in 13 each.

Courtesy of All Headline News