Women's Hoops Blog

Inane commentary on a game that deserves far better


Friday, September 08, 2006

Team USA passed their first test with a 56-49 win over Australia in an exhibition game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

With Dawn Staley now on the sidelines as an assistant coach and Lisa Leslie and Sheryl Swoopes not playing, it was a new look for the Americans. Tina Thompson had game highs of 15 points and 11 rebounds and Team USA held Australia to only four second quarter points.

Thompson and Candace Parker each had three blocks as the defense helped overcome a sometimes stagnant motion offense. But Coach Donovan believes the offense will come around.

After playing the host team in an exhibition game on Sunday, USA will open with their first tournament game on Tuesday against China.