Game Report, Russia vs USA 75-68, Semi-Finals

IBIRAPUERA (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) – Russia finally broke through against the United States in a major women’s basketball tournament by upsetting the Americans in the semi-finals at the FIBA World Championship.

Oxana Rahmatulina poured in 18 points to lead a balanced scoring attack as the European giants avenged a string of defeats to the US, the latest a 90-80 setback in the first group phase of this year’s event.

Since 1996, the Americans had won gold at every Olympics and FIBA World Championship, including in both Germany (1998) and China (2002) where the US defeated the Russians in title showdowns.

Just two years ago at the Athens Games, Russia had pushed Lisa Leslie & Co very close in the semi-finals before losing, and the US went on to beat Australia in the title showdown.

Leslie did not play this summer, yet no side had come close against Anne Donovan’s team before Thursday, with the US seemingly headed for another final showdown against Australia, who eliminated hosts Brazil in the other semi-final, 88-76.

“This victory was very important for us because we are trying to win against the US for a long time,” admitted Igor Grudin, the Russia coach.

“This American team is probably the best I have seen play since 1996, in Atlanta, and for that it's a great honour to beat them.”

Russia twice led by 10 points in the first quarter, but the US fought back and closed to 32-29 on a Diana Taurasi jump shot with 2:43 to go in the first half.

Grudin’s team threatened to open up a big lead again but a Taurasi three-pointer one second before the buzzer made it 37-32 at half-time in Russia’s favour.

Russia took control of the game for good after the restart, with a Rahmatulina jumper taking her tally to 10 points and sparking a 12-0 run for a 49-32 lead.

The advantage twice ballooned to 20 points, at 55-35 and then 58-38 by the end of the third quarter.

Two Taurasi free throws cut the deficit to 60-51 with 6:14 to go in the game, but Rahmatulina struck again with a jumper and then a lay-up to keep the Russians in command.

The Americans never quit, and a Sue Bird three-pointer did cut Russia’s lead to 73-68 with 45 seconds remaining, but the US did not score again.

Ilona Korstin’s two free throws were the final points of the contest. Korstin finished with 15 points, while Maria Stepanova had 13 with 11 rebounds.

Tatiana Shchegoleva poured in 10 points and also grabbed 11 rebounds.

The US got 21 points from Taurasi.

Russia finished a scintillating eight of 14 (57.1%) from three-point range. The US were a disappointing six of 13 (46%) at the free throw line.

Grudin’s team out-rebounded the USA 36-32.

The US will now face Brazil for bronze while Russia take on Australia in the gold medal game.

"It simply was not our day today," said Donovan. "I don't think we underestimated them, they were better than us."

Semi Finals boxscores (21.09.2006)

Australia vs Brazil: 88-76
USA vs Russia: 75-68

By Jeff Taylor, PA Sport