Game Report, United States vs Czech Republic, 63-50 - Eight-Finals

BARUERI (FIBA World Championship for Women) - Team USA passed their stiffest test in Brazil so far with a victory over a determined Czech Republic on Monday.

The two-time defending world champions only led 31-28 at half-time but outscored the Czechs 18-10 in the third quarter en route to a 63-50 triumph.

"I think we are playing better every day and this was a great test for us," said USA coach Anne Donovan.

"The Czech Republic is a very good team. They did a great job and played a very good game. I think the reason we are successful is because we play quickly and we are athletic, and we have players with great experience."

The Czechs, gold medalists at last year’s EuroBasket in Turkey, controlled the tempo and they more than held their own on the boards, out-rebounding the USA 41-40.

The Americans forced the European champions into the 22 turnovers.

"I think we were a good rival to the USA," said Czech forward Katerina Krisova.

"We tried to fight the whole time, especially with our defense and our rebounds."

Tina Thompson and Candace Parker each had 14 points and Diana Taurasi 13 to pace the the USA.

The Americans will face Lithuania in the quarter-finals while the Czechs take on tournament hosts Brazil.

"The next round will be tremendous," said Donovan.

"I don't think there is going to be one bad game. The Czech Republic is facing Brazil and they should have trouble with the crowd, but I think they are such a smart team and defend so well that they will succeed".

"They are very good at slowing the game down, and if they did this with the US, I really believe they can do it against Brazil."

18.09.2006 Boxscores

Lithuania vs Spain: 55-75
Canada vs Brazil: 41-82
Cuba vs Russia: 81-96
Australia vs Argentina: 83-49
France vs China: 64-66
Czech Republic vs USA: 50-63

By PA Sport