USA Still Unbeaten Heading into Semifinals
9/24/2002 10:24:21 AM | Women's Basketball
NANJING, China - The USA Basketball Women's World Championship Team advanced to the semifinals of the 2002 FIBA World Championship with a 94-55 win versus Spain on Monday, September 23. Syracuse head coach Marianna Freeman is an assistant coach for Team USA.
Shannon Johnson (Orlando Miracle) led the U.S. versus Spain with 20 points in only 17:30 of play off the bench. All 12 U.S. players scored. Lisa Leslie (Los Angeles Sparks) scored 19 points, while Sheryl Swoopes (Houston Comets) had 17 points and five steals. Tari Phillips (New York Liberty) grabbed a game-high 15 rebounds.
"It was another 12-player win for us. I was really pleased. This team has amazed me that were together basically for two days before we got here and to play like we're playing, it's really amazed me," said United States heac coach Van Chancellor. "I am very pleased that we beat a fine Spanish team. I thought Pee Wee (Shannon) Johnson played so well for us. I was glad to see her play so well against a team filled with players who she plays with internationally."
The U.S. will face Australia, the 2000 Olympic silver medalist, in the semifinals on September 24. The winner of that game will advance to the championship on September 25.
The U.S. is now 7-0 in the tournament. The squad finished pool play undefeated after defeating France, 101-68, on September 20.
For more information about the 2002 USA Basketball Women's World Championship Team, visit www.usabasketball.com.
