ACOG - News - IBM

(25 July 1996; Day 6)

USA and Australia to Battle for Group B Lead in Basketball

Prior to the draw for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, it was expected that the United States would win the gold and Australia was favored by many for the silver in the women's basketball competition. While a meeting for the gold is still possible, these two medal contenders will first meet Saturday night for the lead in Group B.

Both teams will enter the game with identical 3-0 records and an abundance of confidence. The United States has beaten the Ukraine (98-65), Cuba (101-84) and Zaire (107-47). Australia will enter Saturday night's match-up with wins over Zaire (91-45), Korea (76-61) and Cuba (75-63). Cuban head coach Miguel DEL RIO LOPEZ, after playing both teams in these Olympic Games, knows what both teams can do.

"I think either of them will have a chance to win, but I do feel that the United States is a better team," said DEL RIO LOPEZ (CUB). "Of course it is not going to be an easy game, but even if both teams play well I think that the United States will win."

Not only does the United States receive the Cuban coach's vote and the vote of many others around the world, but recent history is on the American's side. This will be the fourth meeting between the USA and Australia in the past year. The United States won all three of those games by scores of 96-81, 81-72 and 87-78. The final win came as the USA was on the way to winning the 1996 Opals' World Challenge Tournament championship.

While the fact remains that the United States won those three contests, Australia has shown the capability of competing with the USA squad. The scores of those three games were some of the closest the United States team encountered on its year-long tour, which netted a 52-0 record.

"We are taking things one game at a time and preparing for each game as it comes," said Australian guard Shelley SANDIE. "We focused on Cuba and won that game, so now we will look at film of the United States and prepare for them. The USA is a great team, but we will go out and give it our best shot."

Australia's "best shot" may have the United States a little worried. In 1994, Australia defeated the United States in a scrimmage after trailing by as many as 20 points in the contest.

"Australia always gets up for us," said USA guard Dawn STALEY. "When they beat us in 1994, they were down by 18 to 20 points and they came back to beat us. They are always tough competition because they never give up."

It is that "never say die" attitude that has impressed both opposing players and fans. When Australia defeated Korea in the Georgia Dome, more than 30,000 fans applauded its efforts. The difference Saturday night is that at least 31,000 fans will be cheering for the United States.

"The big crowd will not hurt us very much," said SANDIE (AUS). "We played in front of more than 30,000 the other night and did pretty well. This is the reason we play basketball, for the big games like this. To have all of the fans there will make this game very special."

This is an official publication of the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games Sports Publications Department. Written by Wayne White.


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An estimated 5.3 million visted Centennial Olympic Park between opening day - 13 July - and closing day - 4 August, making the park the most single most visited Olympic site during the Games.