Delaware’s nickname is The First State—and the USA Basketball Women’s National Team was first on the court on Wednesday at the campus of the University of Delaware, defeating the French National Team by a final of 84-62.
It was a rematch of the 2012 Gold Medal game in London that saw Team USA defeat France, 86-50.
Four players finished with double-digit points for the Stars and Stripes—including Tina Charles who finished with 17 points and Maya Moore who added 13. Team USA also got ten each from Diana Taurasi and Elena Delle Donne, playing at her alma mater.
Endy Miyem was the lone player on the French team in double-digits for scoring with ten points.
The first half of the game was close with Team USA only holding a three-point lead on France at the end of the first quarter. It was a 20-17 game when the first frame concluded with Taurasi scoring five of her ten points in the first quarter.
France outscored Team USA in the second quarter as shooting woes started to set in for those wearing the red jerseys. This allowed for France to keep it close as Team USA only had a lead of one (32-31) at the half.
The third quarter was when Team USA began to assess its dominance as they outscored France by a score of 31-15. This turned a nail-biter into a rout. The tally at the conclusion of the 3rd quarter saw Team USA lead by 17 at 63-46.
It would only grow into the 20s in the fourth quarter as Team USA looked like the same team they always have been. In the end, it was a 22-point dispatching of France.
Team USA’s next game will be on Friday in Connecticut against Canada.
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
