US women hoops rout Senegal 121-56 in record fashion

She finished with 15 points, hitting five 3-pointers, and Sylvia Fowles also had 15 points as the USA won its 42nd consecutive game in the Olympics.

USA Basketball wasted no time asserting its dominance in a 121-56 victory over Senegal on Sunday in Brazil, setting the single-game record for points in a game. When it ended, they had set three Olympic marks: Points scored in a game, margin of victory and assists.

“When you think about it, it’s really cool to know that history it went that far back and we were able to break it today in our first game”, Stewart said.

Other than the mild surprise of seeing center Brittney Griner in the starting lineup – she hadn’t started a game for the US team during its four-game Olympic tour – coach Geno Auriemma basically used this game as a soft rollout, a chance to let everyone get a little bit of playing time.

The U.S. led 35-9 at the end of the first quarter and 64-21 at the half. “They (Senegal) played hard and competed hard, obviously they are undermanned talent-wise when it comes to playing against the USA but you have to admire their effort”.

Tamika Catchings, an Olympic veteran with three gold medals, is ready to win again. “We have to keep doing that every game, every night”. Both Stewart and Delle Donne reached double figures in scoring by halftime, and Griner, who earned the start, provided a rim protector the likes of which the US has never had. We still know that there are some things that we wanna continue to be better at and work on and growing. No woman attempted more than nine field goals or scored more than 15 points. With an open lane Bird opted to lob the ball up to Olympic newcomer Breanna Stewart rather than lay it in herself.

All 12 members of the USA line-up hit the scoreboard, seven recording double figures led by 15-point efforts from Taurasi, Sylvia Fowles and Breanna Stewart. Griner had 14 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks, while Delle Donne added 11 points, 6 assists and 2 steals of her own. I was thoroughly impressed and really, really happy the way it played out for them. The African nation lost all six of its games in 2000. All 12 USA women played and scored as the Americans shot 65 percent from the field. For us, we’re just happy to be here.

Moore:We have a lot of momentum moving into the Games.

The Americans could face a little stiffer test Monday when they take on Spain.