With President Barack Obama, Vice-President Joseph Biden along with family in attendance, the USA Olympic basketball team defeated the Brazilian national team last night, 80-69 but not after getting behind by 10 points at the end of the 1st quarter. Team USA struggled early from the field, especially with 3 pointers, only hitting 6 of 24 for the game. “We did not have defensive intensity early in the game; if this team doesn’t have that, we’re going to get scored on,” said Mike Krzyzewski, USA and Duke University head coach. Brazil is one of the stronger contenders for the upcoming London Olympics, featuring three front line NBA players – Nene Hilario of the Washington Wizards, Tiago Splitter of the San Antonio Spurs and Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers. With Kobe Bryant having a somewhat quiet night, Lebron James dominated with 30 points for the US team.
Not to be forgotten, in Women’s Basketball, Team USA rolled over the Brazilian women’s National team 99-67. With their first exhibition game in 2 months, the USA women weren’t able to pull away until late in the second quarter. “We’re just trying to find each other, trying to learn a little bit about each other,” Coach Geno Auriemma said. “There were moments when we looked really, really good, and there were moments when we really struggled at both ends of the floor.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I84gMlYZmzA
