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BU's Davis Helps Spark USA Basketball to Victory Over China

Posted at 5:23 PM, Jul 06, 2015
and last updated 2015-07-06 18:23:23-04

The USA Women’s World University Games team posted a 90-75 victory over China in Group C play in the 2015 World University Games on July 6 at Dongkang College in Gwangju, South Korea. With the victory, the USA raised its record to 2-0 in the Games.

Baylor forward Nina Davis tallied eight points in 12 minutes of action, shooting 4-of-4 from the floor and dished out an assist, registered a blocked shot and hauled down one rebound.

With the USA down by two, 28-26, in the second quarter, the second unit, led by Oregon State’s Sidney Weise and Davis, helped put the USA in the driver’s seat with a 13-4 run. During that stretch, Davis scored four points inside and doled out an assist underneath to Stanford’s Erica McCall.

“We have 12 of the best girls in the country, and each one of us has talent,” said Davis. “Each one of us can do different things. Sometimes you need that spark, whether that spark is for five minutes or 20 minutes, every team needs it. I want to be that spark, so we can get going and continue to keep going.”

Overall, the USA, behind its strong inside game, scored 62 points in the paint vs. China. In addition, the red, white and blue squad, who had 33 turnovers in its opening game vs. Italy, committed only 16 against China. The USA hit an impressive 52.7 percent of its shots while blocking seven shots and nabbing eight steals.

“It’s so important to be strong inside,” said head coach Joe McKeown (Northwestern). I thought Mercedes (Russell/Tennessee) had stretches where she was just dominant. With Brionna Jones (Maryland), Nina Davis and, of course Erica McCall, we have a strong rotation there. They work hard on the glass and are able to change people’s shots. Getting the ball inside and working from the inside out is the best way for this team to play.”

The USA concludes Group C play against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, July 7 at 10 p.m. (CT).

“It’s a quick turnaround, and we don’t have much time,” said Davis. “We’re not on vacation, and we all know why we came here and that’s to win a gold medal. And with 12 of the best players in the country, we all have that goal. We’ll be ready to play tomorrow.”

World University Games Schedule

Tues., July 7, 10:00 p.m. (CT) – Team USA vs. Czech Republic

Thur., July 9, 6:30 a.m. (CT) – WBB quarterfinals

Sat., July 11, 6 a.m. (CT) – WBB semifinal*

Mon., July 13, 4 a.m. (CT) – WBB gold medal game*

*Broadcast on ESPNU only if Team USA is participating