TORONTO, Canada – No second day blues for the USA as they cruised to a 32-6 first quarter lead and eventual 94-55 victory over an older, stronger Dominican Republic team in second day of 2015 Pan American Women’s Basketball pool play at the RYA Athletic Center.
The USA, and specifically 6-4 scoring machine Breanna Stewart on perfect play hitting all four shots and a free throw in a dominating first eight minutes of play for 10 points (game high 16 points in 18 minutes of play). The opening stretch when Stewart hit a shot with no time left on a possession and a foul for three points followed by an open wing steal and a dunk-opportunity layup was the game after a 32-6 first quarter lead.
In the second quarter, the USA with 20+ lead went deep into the roster and let everyone get double digit minutes in the first half alone. The margin allowed USA Coach Lisa Bluder an opportunity to play a smaller wing-guard lineup throughout the game along with the big starting lineup for this game of 6-4 Stewart, 6-4 Alana Coates (South Carolina) and 6-3 Taya Reimer (Notre Dame). The USA’s first half stats tell it all with Stewart leading the team with 12 points, making all five shots from the field and a 48-21 halftime lead. After such a hard battle with Brazil on opening night, it was a feast of playing time for all. Team USA had five players in double figures Stewart 16, Alaina Coates 14, Stephanie Mavunga 13, Shatori Walker and Caroline Coyer with 11 each. Everyone scored except first game scorer Moriah Jefferson who played 12:37 minutes and took only two shots.
The only person who didn’t benefit from the USA rout and didn’t see a minute was one of the team’s expected stars, 5-9 Tiffany Mitchell (South Carolina) who’s had to sit out this tournament due to an ankle injury suffered in pre-PanAm event competition. Mitchell was an invitee to the USA National Women’s Team Camp in August along with Stewart.
USA PanAm Coach Lisa Bluder discusses missing Tiffany Mitchell as an offiensive threat in the lineup after her injury before the event.
The six other teams here did not avoid the second day blues with each game being a battle from the start.
The surprise of the evening was the battle that an under-sized and less athletic Argentina gave host Canada, even leading the game far into the second quarter when both teams were tied at 35. Argentina made runs through the third quarter cutting their deficit down to five points with six to go but couldn’t make defensive stops. Eventually the Canadian size and depth propelled them past Argentina 73-58 in a deceptive margin of victory. This was a “close” game as Canada gave up 14 points on their 21 turnovers. Miranda Ayim and Tamara Tatham each had 12 points while Kia Nurse added 11 and Lizanne Murphy 10. Argentina which scored 58 points had no one in double figures.
Brazil which battled the USA last night got one from a feisty Puerto Rico team and did not let up arross the four quarters, prevailing in the end 62-57. Brazil which led most of the game could not pull away from Puerto Rico and used their height to out-rebound PR 50-38.
The other Pool B battle between Cuba and Venezuela was a dog fight from start to finish with Cuba getting a quick 10-5 lead. The rest of the game Cuba had to play strong enough to keep the lead and pull off a 73-62 win.
The USA will play Puerto Rico again in the 9pm night game while Canada hosts Cuba at 6pm. The morning game is Argentina vs. Venezuela followed by Brazil vs Dominican Republic.
