The United States Olympic women's basketball team received an unexpected test from Croatia for three quarters, but the U.S. was able to pull away in the fourth quarter, as they won their 2012 Olympic Group A preliminary match 81-56. Tina Charles led the United States with 14 points while Angel McCaughtry added 13 and Candace Parker chipped in 11 points for the U.S.
Jelena Ivezic led all scorers with 22 points while Marija Vrsaljko added 19 points. No other Croatian player had more than seven points on the night.
The U.S. held a surprisingly low 11-4 lead after the first quarter, but Croatia used the three-pointer as an equalizer to even things out and actually grabbed the lead late in the second quarter; however, the U.S. took a 31-28 lead into the half.
The United States was able to slowly extend their lead to six points after the third, but it wasn't until the fourth quarter when the talent level between the two teams really showed.
Vrsaljko scored to make it a four point game with 9:35 to go in the game, but the U.S. went on a 16-0 run over the next 3:53 to put the game away.
The Connecticut Sun have two players on the roster for the United States. Charles had a solid game in the post, adding 10 rebounds with her 14 points to record a double-double. Asjha Jones did not see the court.
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