OQTW – Czechs make it three in a row

ANKARA (FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament Women) – A relieved Czech Republic survived a wonderful second half renaissance by Japan to rack up a hard fought 53-47 win and in the process, seal a third successive slot at the Olympics.
 
Having opened up with the first 13 points of the game, the Czechs initially looked like they would blow the Japanese away thanks to their superior strength under the basket and tough defence which held their opponent to a miserable four points during the first quarter.
 
The Czech team still held a healthy 34-23 lead as they stepped off the court at the break but when the teams returned to the floor, Japan were rejuvenated and threatened to turn the game on its' head in spectacular style.
 
They landed back to back three-pointers to make it a one shot game at 46-43 and Czech coach Lubor Blazek admitted after the game that he could not be sure his team would have went on to win the game had Japan made one more score to tie.
 
The intense Japanese pressure defence forced 21 turnovers but, helped by 17 precious offensive rebounds, the Czech Republic maintained their composure and used their veteran exeperience to make it to London.
 
The excellent Petra Kulichova who finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks was named the Tissot Czech Republic Player Of The Tournament.
 
FIBA