USA vs. Australia
July 16, 2021 2:30 pm EDT
Australia and Team USA face off in a women’s basketball tune-up for the Tokyo Olympics on Friday at the Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The United States and Australia are considered the two best teams in the world by most. This could be a preview of the gold medal game.
Team USA is a talented roster, but they are coming off a defeat in their last game on Wednesday against the WNBA All-Stars. It was an All-Star game, but the defense was still a big issue giving up 93 points, and that led to the eight-point defeat. Team USA only had three players who scored in double figures, and in this game, they need a more balanced attack from the entire team. Sue Bird played 22 minutes in the first game, but she only managed four points. Brittney Griner was the top player for Team USA finishing with 17 points. Sylvia Fowles was the top player off the bench finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds. Team USA shot 47.3 percent from the field and 35 percent from behind the three point line. In this game, it’s going to be about a more balanced attack, and the defense is going to need to be a whole lot better.
Team Australia has high hopes for the Olympics, and if they are going to find success it’s probably going to come down to Liz Cambage. Cambage was the leading scorer at the 2016 Olympics, and this is his third Olympics for Australia. Some of the other key Olympic players for this squad include Katie Ebzery, Cayla George, Rebecca Allen, Tess Madgen, and Ezi Magbegor. There are some older players on this squad that are making their Olympics debut, but their veteran leadership is going to be very important for this squad.
Team USA had some struggles in the last game, but this is a much bigger game for them, and it actually should be a little easier for them too. Team USA wants to make a statement about what they expect to do in the Olympics. Look for the Team USA to come away with a win and a cover of the spread.
