USA 80, VEN 54
The United States opened Group A competition at the 2023 FIBA Women's AmeriCup with an 80-54 win over Venezuela Saturday afternoon in Leon, Mexico.
The U.S. will be back in action tomorrow vs. Argentina at 4:40 p.m. ET on Courtside 1891 (USA games will stream free to subscribers in the U.S.).
Since the event’s inception in 1989, the United States has captured four Women’s AmeriCup gold medals, including titles in 2019 and 2021.
View the USA-Venezuela box score here.
TEAM NOTES
Historically Speaking: The meeting was the second between these two nations. The USA defeated Venezuela 102-53 in 2021. With the win, the USA now has 18 consecutive Women’s AmeriCup wins and owns an overall 31-7 record.
On the Run: The USA opened on a 9-0 run through the 6:23 mark of the first quarter before Venezuela got to the foul line for their first point. Charisma Osborne scored the USA’s first five points (9 for game). The first quarter lead ballooned to 20-5 as the U.S. held the opposition to 10.5% (2-19 FG, 0-4 3FG) shooting from the field and forced five turnovers.
Shot Chart: For the day, the USA shot 42.4% (28-66 FG, 4-15 3FG) from the field. Alternatively, Venezuela shot 27.1% (19-70 FG, 6-23 3FG) from the floor.
Getting Glass: Outrebounding Venezuela 62-33 for the game, the U.S.’s strong shooting defense led to 48 rebounds, translating to 26 fastbreak points. The USA had four players with more than five boards each, led by Rayah Marshall’s 14.
PLAYER NOTES
The New Kids: Seven team members made their USA National Team debuts today, including Chance Gray, Abbey Hsu, Raven Johnson, Deja Kelly, Marshall, Laila Phelia and Angel Reese.
On the Glass, Cont.: Leading the outstanding rebounding performance were Marshall (14) and Reese (9). Marshall’s 14 rebounds (9 DR) are tied for the second-most in USA AmeriCup history (also Sylvia Fowles, vs. Paraguay, 9/22/19). Reese flirted with a double-double with a team-high-tying 11 points.
We See Ya, Rickea: One of three Americans in double-figures, Rickea Jackson contributed 11 points, tying the game-high mark shared by Reese. Jackson added five rebounds and two assists.
Barker Hits the Marker: Janiah Barker also closed in double-figures with 10 points (3-5 FG, 4-6 FT) along with four rebounds, a game-high three steals and one block.
What's Next
Group A | USA vs. ARG | July 2 at 4:40 p.m. ET | Courtside 1891
A game recap will be published on usab.com.
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