USA basketball held just a 10 point lead at halftime that felt even closer with Japan’s instant offense showing in spurrts. That changed quickly in the second half though, as the Americans exploded on both ends of the court in the final 20 minutes to win by 46.
Brittney Griner blocks a trifecta of shots in 110-64 win over Japan
A close game at the half didn’t end that way.
Slowing the game’s pace was key for the United States, and tighter defense held the Japanese to 18 second-half points after scoring 46 in the first two quarter. With the more mellow tempo the American team was able to reintroduce its forwards and centers who played few minutes trying to run in the first half.
Brittney Griner was one of those players. After playing just 5 minutes in the opening half, scoring just 2 points without a rebound, she played 8 productive minutes in the second. She finished with 6 points and 7 rebounds and swatted 3 shots emphatically.
Team USA will take on the winner of Canada and France in a semifinal game on Thursday.
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