NANTES (2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament) - Anastasiya Verameyenka came up with a dominant performance to inspire Belarus to a 71-60 win over Nigeria in Monday's FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) Group C opener.
Verameyenka hasn't made her first field goals until early in the third quarter, but that hasn't prevented the 1.95m center from finishing with 13 points, 12 rebounds 5 blocked shots. In the process, Yelena Leuchanka complemented her twin tower with team-best 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Verameyenka hasn't made her first field goals until early in the third quarter, but that hasn't prevented the 1.95m center from finishing with 13 points, 12 rebounds 5 blocked shots. In the process, Yelena Leuchanka complemented her twin tower with team-best 15 points and 13 rebounds.
As much as Adaora Elonu tried to row against the tide with her game-high game-high 19 points, the game belonged to Belarus.
Turning Point: Before Maryia Papova stepped on the court, Belarus were 0-4 from beyond the arc. Then the 21-year-old buried three of her four three-pointers to give Belarus a 38-32 half-time lead.
Stats Don't Lie: Stopping Verameyenka and Leuchanka near the basket was mission impossible for Nigeria, but making only 2 of 14 three-point attempts proved even more detrimental for the Western Africans.
Game Hero: Even though Leuchanka finished with a team-high 15 points, Papova became the game-changer for her lethal scoring in the third quarter.
The Bottom Line: Nigeria had a spirited first half, leaving the outcome in limbo, but Belarus kept their best for last. When coach Anatoli Buyalski instructed a zone defense in the third quarter, Nigeria was never the same again.
Turning Point: Before Maryia Papova stepped on the court, Belarus were 0-4 from beyond the arc. Then the 21-year-old buried three of her four three-pointers to give Belarus a 38-32 half-time lead.
Stats Don't Lie: Stopping Verameyenka and Leuchanka near the basket was mission impossible for Nigeria, but making only 2 of 14 three-point attempts proved even more detrimental for the Western Africans.
Game Hero: Even though Leuchanka finished with a team-high 15 points, Papova became the game-changer for her lethal scoring in the third quarter.
The Bottom Line: Nigeria had a spirited first half, leaving the outcome in limbo, but Belarus kept their best for last. When coach Anatoli Buyalski instructed a zone defense in the third quarter, Nigeria was never the same again.
By: Editor
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