USA (UNI) vs. Lithuania

[UNIAlum95]

I wondered why the game was so late.

The game was delayed for two hours as the two teams were forced to change venues after organizing officials deemed the playing floor at the Bangkok Youth Center as unplayable. The slippery surface wreaked havoc earlier in the day as the U.S. women were forced to go to overtime to defeat Latvia, 58-55. The game was moved to the main arena for basketball at Gymnasium 1 - Thammasat University.

[williebat]

what school are the usa women from?

[Matboz]

UNC - Charlotte from the Atlantic 10 I believe

[Khan4Cats]

UNC - Charlotte from the Atlantic 10 I believe

That is correct. Go Lady 49ers, too.

[Matboz]

http://slog.cstv.com/shesonfire/2007/08/usa_trash_talk_1.html

article contrasting success of US Women internationally vs. failures of US Men

[UNIAlum95]

I'm not saying that the women of the United States should ridicule their male counterparts mercilessly for their failures, but maybe some playful ribbing and a little trash talk from the ladies is just what the men need to realize just what they are playing for.

It seems, to me, that the U.S. women's programs have the right idea when it comes to assembling a team for international competition. They stress unity, togetherness, a team atmosphere and most importantly to winning basketball, defense.

If the men stress these qualities in looking for their players, you could have fooled me. In either case, they could learn a thing or two from the ladies.

Interesting article. I take issue with UNI not being unified but I am sure that shot was directed at the all-star teams on the men's side. While I don't think women's basketball is as competitive internationally as the men's side is, the fact remains that unless USA Basketball, the NCAA, and the NBA start taking these international competitions more seriously, the results will continue to decline.

When our teams have to go up against professional squads that play together year round and the USA throws together teams that are indifferent to winning, individualistic instead of team first, combined with limited time together the results really aren't surprising.

I also think that an emphasis on basketball fundamentals would help the men's basketball teams in international performance. Ball control, team defense, and good shooting are all lacking in our teams. Talent wise, I am confident that the USA has the players to win a gold in every tournament. I don't think we always get the best team on the floor though. Just my 2c.

[BonduBluejay10]

Hey could you tell me where you the world university games uni poster can be found?

[Panther-Sheik]

http://slog.cstv.com/shesonfire/2007...sh_talk_1.html

article contrasting success of US Women internationally vs. failures of US Men

I would actually attribute the women's successes more to the fact that the world hasn't yet caught up to our women in basketball. I would imagine it is just a matter of time before it gets very competitive for the women, too.

[Jonsoup]

Can anybody tell if they have any extra world university games uni posters? I will e-mail the SID office and ask if they can send me one if I don't get any reponses. Thanks in advance.

[UNIAlum95]

I can send the scanned jpg but I was told they made 250 of the 8.5" x 11" photos for the kids to have autographed at the open house. I don't think they have anything else right now.

[JagsNCats]

Lithuania would most likely win the NCAA Tourney according to many people I talked to at the game. They executed extremely well scoring on 24 of their first 28 possesions. Yes we came out a little awe struck and Lithuania had a chip on their shoulder wanting to stick it to the USA. With 8 secs left in the game they put on a press so that we wouldn't get another shot! Let's keep it in perspective. Many of the players on Lithuania's team will most likely be playing in Beijing next year and have been together for many years. They are physically much more mature than our guys and are expected to be one of the gold medal contenders n the World University Games.

I watched them play Angola yesterday and Lithuania pounded them even worse. Anogola brings a very athletic squad that wants to push the ball. If we play like we did in the last three quarters we'll be alright.

Everyone on the team struggled at some point during the game but having a few extra days to adjust to the jet lag, getting additional practice and game experience will show on Friday against Angola.

I was proud of the way we came out to start the 3rd quarter. Went on a 10 - 0 run forcing the Lith coach to call time out to get his guys to regroup. We played with much more intensity and were not backing down. If we beat Angola then we advance to the next round of pool play. The coaches will have the guys ready. I don't see us starting the game the same way against Angola.

[williebat]

thanks for the insight jags, I knew lith was very good in the recent past and sounds like that has not changed. You know throw out the slow start and we did a hell of a job against a very good team.

I like our chances in a rematch!

[EVSPanther]

If we do get to the next round (which I think we will), is the second round like the first? Top two advance? Anyone know?

[Khan4Cats]

If we do get to the next round (which I think we will), is the second round like the first? Top two advance? Anyone know?

Second round we would play the top two from Group G (Turkey, China, South Africa) So far Turkey has beaten China and China beat RSA. The top two from that group (which would include Lithuania) advance to the medal round/elite 8. Bottom two play out for places.

Should we lose to Angola, we go into the lower bracket and play three games in three days to determine which place we play for (17-24)

[Matboz]

Is there an actual bracket somewhere? Or did you determine that from the "Competition Schedule" on the official webpage?