Olympics: women’s basketball day 6 recap

Turkey vs. Belarus

Turkey began these Olympic Games with losses to France and Australia—not exactly “easy” opponents for any team. Since then, Turkey has managed to rebound with wins over Japan, and on day 6 of the Olympics, a close 74-71 victory over Belarus.

Belarus had to contend with a two-headed scoring monster that ran roughshod all over the Youth Arena. That two-headed scoring monster consisted of Nevriye Yilmaz and her 26 points and Lara Sanders, fresh off a 36-point outing in a win over Japan, who contributed 22 in what was a winning Turkey effort. Sanders also crashed the boards for 10 rebounds.

Both Yilmaz and Sanders also played the full slate of 40 minutes.

Lindsey Harding led Belarus with 17 points, and Yelena Leuchanka had 10 rebounds but it was not enough as Yilmaz and Sanders were too much.

After two made free throws from Isil Alben, Harding attempted a game-tying three, but her attempt would not find the center of the hoop.

France vs. Brazil

The beat goes on for the team representing the host nation.

Brazil’s women’s basketball team has taken more L’s than the green water at the diving venue at the Olympics. That was once again in the case in Brazil’s matchup with France.

The fourth-ranked team in the world defeated Brazil by a final of 74-64. France’s only loss in these Olympics have only come against the second-ranked team in the world, per FIBA, Australia.

When looking at the French team, one will ponder on the performances of Endy Miyem or Isabelle Yacoubou. Instead, Gaelle Skrela was 70 percent from the field and scored 18 points. Miyem and Yacoubou each had ten.

For Brazil, Damiris Dantas ended up with 21 points in addition to a 16-point, ten rebound outing for Clarissa dos Santos. One thing that hurt the Brazilians in this game—they missed seven free throws.

Both teams started this game after one quarter even at 20 apiece, but as play went on, it became somewhat apparent it would be a case of advantage France as Brazil is still winless these Olympics.

Once again, so much for home court advantage.

Japan vs. Australia

So much attention gets focused on Team USA for its dominance thus far in these Rio Games. After all, they have not only defeated teams, but made teams wonder why they are sharing the same court with the Stars and Stripes.

But there are no style points in the Olympics for blowing out opponents so an undefeated record is an undefeated record no matter how it happens.

Australia also has managed to maintain an undefeated clip in these Games, and they continued that in their matchup against Japan, as the Opals prevailed 92-86.

This one was particularly impressive for the Aussies because they had to rally from being down by 12 at the conclusion at the third quarter (72-59). Led by Liz Cambage, her 37 points, and her 73 percent field goal percentage, Australia denied Japan’s bid to give the Opals their first loss of these Olympics.

Leilani Mitchell added 18 points and Penny Taylor contributed another 13. For Japan, Ramu Tokashiki and Mika Kurihara combined for 43 points (23 and 20, respectively).

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