Additional Quotes >> USA 85, Czech Republic 66

USA Head Coach Doug Bruno
On the game tonight:
We are still just dealing with the issue of when to go and when to run a halfcourt offense. When we hurrry our offense, when we act like it's a break when it's not a break, we vomit the ball and the other team capitalizes on that. We clean that up, and we're a very good basketball team.

On Jantel Lavender:
Because Jantel has been so strong and so consistent you almost take her for granted. She came into halftime with 18 points. Their defensive schemes against Jantel were very intelligent, so for her to finish with 25 points is impressive. She scored against a very well coached team, and she still was able to put us on her back.

On advancing to the semifinals:
It's going to be a very difficult game tomorrow. We need to get our rest, but I really do believe we have the talent to win.

I did see definite fatigue in our players today. I saw it early in the game, and this is after a day of rest. Somebody else probably is going to have to step up and do it tomorrow.

Vicki Baugh
On the game:
We didn't ever panic today even when we were down after the first quarter. We used our strong points, which are rebounding and our inside scoring.

On advancing to the semifinals:
I'm excited. I can tell how bad everyone on this team wants to be there, and I can't wait to get out on the floor. The rest of the way is going to be tough, and we are going to have to be mentally prepared.

Angie Bjorklund
On tonight's game:
We knew Czech Republic was a a good team, and I think that helped us come into the game ready to play. We never underestimated how good they can be. It's tough to put 40 minutes of good basketball together, but there were little pieces tonight when we played really well.

On advancing to the semifinals:
We have just two more games together, and we are all really excited about reaching the semifinals. Everyone is just so excited to be here.

Allyssa DeHaan
On advancing to the semifinals:
We've been working so hard for the past three weeks to get where we are now. This is an exciting time.

Jantel Lavender
On tonight's game:
I think my role is being the go-to post player that can score. My size and strength have been a huge advantage in this tournament. I play strong and I get low on my post moves, which really helps. I can make any kind of move I want to when I get myself in good position.

This experience has made me a lot better because I'm not used to so much contact. In the United States, those are fouls that the other teams are commiting. I think it's making me stronger, and I'm learning to play through the contact.

On advancing to the semifinals:
We are so excited. We want to take every game one at a time, but we are really striving for gold. I think our focus is transition defense because that's how teams are scoring against us. In the halfcourt, we are defending really well.

Maya Moore
On tonight's game:
Allyssa DeHaan really stepped up for us in the second half, securing rebounds and making shots, and our offense started to click.

Having Jantel has been a pressure relase for us guards, and it works both ways. When they collapse on her the guards get open and she dishes it back outside. She's been really solid for us this whole tournament and hopefully she can keep it up.

On advancing to the semifinals:
We have two more game to fight for gold, and I'm just looking forward to Spain tomorrow. We expect the competition to get tougher, and we continue to get better as well.

Jasmine Thomas
On tonight's game:
We got beat back door a few times and didn't get over screens because the Czech Republic knows how to play together so well.

This was the most pressure we've faced because it was the first time you could lose and go home basically, and it was great to see everyone step up.