Photos: USA Passes Greatest Challenge In France
Fri, Aug 19, 2016, 3:20 AM

- The 1st half did not always go America’s way, but Angel McCoughtry provided a spark off the bench and led with toughness as seen in this hard fall after a hoop and foul. McCoughtry would sink the free-throw for a 1st half team-high seven points.
- Helena Ciak cheers on her French team in 1st half action against the United States. France hit three 3’s in the half and were within four points of the USA at half, the closest any team has been in this Olympics.
- Buzz-worthy young French star Marine Johannes made things difficult for Team USA in the 1st half. The 21-year-old was the game’s leading scorer at the half with 9 points, a rare feat. Johannes finished with 13.
- France attempting to slow USA’s pace only emphasized what a great weapon Sylvia Fowles is inside. Tying McCoughtry for the team lead in scoring at the half, Fowles went on to 12 points and a team-high 9 rebounds.
- Brittney Griner gets tangled up with France’s Isabelle Yacoubou on a rebound. Griner pulled down six boards to go with her 10 points while dealing with French leader Yacoubou’s 14 points.
- After a nerve-racking 1st half, USAB imposed their will with a 9-2 run and a 25-8 3rd quarter. Elena Delle Donne pushed the pace and netted a tough and-1 lay-in, and her reaction shows what happens when you challenge Team USA.
- With Sue Bird out, Diana Taurasi took the ball and scored, putting in a game-high 18 points. Already with the most ever in Olympic history, her three 3’s vs. France give her 28 total for Rio, the new record for a single Olympic tournament.
- Head coach Geno Auriemma faced his toughest challenge yet with USA Basketball, a disruptive display from France without his star guard Sue Bird. But, along with the strong voice of Lynx leader Cheryl Reeve in the huddle, Auriemma and Team USA navigated the Semifinal for another chance at gold.
- The United States celebrate after defeating France 86-67 in a Women’s Semifinal. Next up: Saturday’s gold medal game against Spain as USA goes for six in a row.
- Team USA thanks the crowd on hand after a potential scare against France. They’re now guaranteed a medal in Saturday’s final, but having won five-straight golds, we know only one element will do.