Sunday, September 5, 2010

Game Preview: U.S. ready for elimination play

Tomorrow at 9 A.M. USA plays Angola. US does have some history with Angola in the Olympics 
2004 Olympics - USA 89, Angola 53
2008 Olympics - USA 97, Angola 76

Offence
Angola is a 1 on 1 offensive team They'll run pick-and-rolls, but mostly to free themselves up for a quick shot or drive to the basket. They recorded assists on only 41 percent of their field goals in pool play, the third lowest in the tournament.

Defence
Angola plays both man and zone, and they will use a 2-2-1 press at times. Angola was above average in two key statistics defensively. They ranked sixth by forcing 20.8 turnovers per 100 possessions. And they ranked seventh by allowing their opponents to attempt just 24.5 free throws per 100 possessions.

Other
Angola was the worst team to qualify for the elimination rounds. They were outscored by 19.1 points per 100 possessions in pool play.  Angola was the second worst defensive rebounding team in pool play, securing just 62 percent of available defensive boards. Witch means more chances for USA witch could be easy baskets.


Key players

Olimpio Cipriano -- The wing was Angola's leading scorer in pool play, averaging 14.8 points in four games. He dropped 30, hitting four of his six attempts from 3-point range, in the big win over Germany. Andre Iguodala will likely get the assignment of containing him.

Joaquim Gomes -- The big man averaged 11.6 points in pool play and had a double-double against Germany. He's a center who can step out and shoot from the perimeter, a contrast from most big men in this tournament who like to roll to the basket. He could be a problem on the pick and roll.

Carlos Morais -- The combo guard doesn't shoot particularly well, but he can get to the rim.

Get ready for elimination play Win or go Home

~Jazz4thewin

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