The games versus Belgium and
Andorra marked the first time the entire U.S. team played together since Aug. 17, when Samuelson suffered a slight ankle sprain that sidelined her for five days. Samuelson left no doubt that she
was back as she nailed 5-of-6 from the field, including a 4-of-5 performance from 2-point range, to finish with a game-high nine points. In its second game of the day, the
USA rolled over Andorra 22-5 as Ogunbowale led all scorers with nine points and Collier added seven. Behind a balanced attack from all
four players, the USA won its seventh consecutive game on Aug. 23, defeating Taiwan 21-5. Collier led the USA with eight points, Ogunbowale chipped in six, and Samuelson and Boykin had five and two, respectively. On the last day of preliminary
action, the U.S. had no difficulty adding two more victories, posting a 21-12 win over Czech Republic and a 21-10 victory over Guam on Aug. 24. With the two wins, the USA closed out Group B play with an unblemished 9-0 record.
The USA led the Czechs 11-9 with
about five minutes left in the game and closed out the game with 10-3 run. Collier scored a team-high seven points, while Ogunbowale and Samuelson scored five apiece and Boykin had four. The U.S. had no problem with Guam,
as Collier and Ogunbowale both matched Guam’s total points with 10 each. “I think today’s games were much
needed for us,” Ogunbowale said. “Especially the game against the Czech Republic. We were challenged more, and it gave us a look into what we will be going up against heading into the round of 16.”
The top eight teams from each group
of the two preliminary round groups advanced to the round of 16 where the tournament became a single-game elimination format. “We have become a little like the
team to beat now, so everyone will be bringing their ‘A’ games and we just have to do the same,” said Collier of playing in the medal round. “As long as we play our game and
play together we should be fine,” added Boykin. “We have to stay on the right
102
track and keep doing the things we do well, and we should continue to be successful.” In the round of 16, the
USA downed Venezuela 21-7. Collier made 7-of-9 from the field to lead all scorers with 11 points, Ogunbowale and Boykin chipped in five each, and the USA closed out the game in six minutes and eight seconds.
Upending Estonia 21-12 in
the quarterfinals, Estonia kept things close until the last three
In its 13 games at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games, the closest an opponent was able to stay with the powerhouse USA 3x3 squad was seven points. The USA scored a game-winning 21 or more points in 12 of 13 games, and opponents were held to 10 or fewer points in 10 games.
minutes. However, the USA got the Europeans in foul trouble early, and was able to close out the game from the free throw line. “I think we played well in both
games,” Samuelson said. “The energy definitely changed for all of us because everything is at stake now. It makes us work harder.”
The USA’s scoring effort was bal-
anced versus Estonia with Ogunbowale recording seven points, Collier six, Samuelson five and Boykin three.
Facing a 10-1 Hungary team in the
medal round semifinals, the USA advanced into the gold medal game with a convincing 21-14 win. Just as the team had done in its 11 previous matches, it scored 21 points in less than 10 minutes
behind a balanced attack as Collier, Ogunbowale and Samuelson all finished with seven points apiece.
Behind an eight-point effort from
Samuelson, the USA held off the Netherlands 19-10 to win gold. With the game tied 10-10, and three minutes left to play, Ogunbowale drove to the basket for the layup to push the USA ahead 11-10.
Ogunbowale’s bucket sparked a
change in momentum that went the red, white and blue’s way. “It was crazy,” four-time USA gold
medalist Ogunbowale said of playing the Netherlands in the final game and Hungary in the semifinals. “We knew
Continued on page 106 USA Basketball News
USA Basketball
USA Basketball
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