The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic GamesAugust 8-24 2008
(BEIJING, August 11) -- With five players scoring in double-digits, World No. 3 Russia managed to pull away in the last minute for a 77-72 win over the Republic of Korea in their group A preliminary on day two of the Olympic Women's Basketball tournament on August 11.
Asian champion ROK left the first quarter down 24-15, but came back to outscore Athens bronze medal Russia 20-13 in the second period. With 29 seconds left in the half, the ROK's Sin Jung-ja dropped two-points in the paint to narrow the gap, going to the break 37-35 in Russia's favor.
Russia was looking solid with 75% three-point shooting in the first half and going six for seven at the line. They were hurting from 10 turnovers, but led on rebounds on a big way, 15 to the ROK's five.
In the third quarter, the ROK women managed to yet again outscore their Russian counterparts, this time for a one point lead of 59-58, leaving it all to be decided in the fourth period.
The final quarter saw seven lead changes before Russia came ahead decisively with a made shot by 1.94 meter-tall center Tatiana Shchegoleva for two points, followed by two sunk foul shots by WNBA star Becky Hammon, giving them a 75-72 lead with 50 seconds left in the match. The ROK called a timeout and had a shot blocked by Russia's Irina Osipova, prompting the ROK to foul guard Ilona Korstin to stop time again. When Korstin made both free throws, the score was settled at 77-72 for a late win for the EuroBasket gold medal team.
On the Russian side, Shchegoleva and Korstin both netted the game-high 13 points, while Marina Karpunina had 12, Osopova had 11 and guard Hammon contributed 10 points.
The ROK's Choi Youn-ah tied for the game-high 13 points, and forward Beon Yeon-ha also led her team with 12 points.
