14/08/2004
Olympics Women - Van gives Marino crumb of comfort
ATHENS, (Olympics) - It's hard to be positive after being destroyed by the best team in the world, but triumphant American coach Van Chancellor gave New Zealand's Angela Marino cause to smile on Saturday.
The 18-year-old Marino made three of her seven three-point shots and led the Tall Ferns with 13 points but reigning world and Olympic champions the United States romped to a 99-47 win.
"I have to congratulate coach (Tom) Maher on the good job he's done, and Angela Marino, who is a terrific shooter," said Chancellor.
When told of Chancellor's comment, the 5ft 5in Marino replied: "I'm grateful. I didn't expect anything like that. It was good to hear. I hope to do better in the next game, perhaps not turn the ball over so much."
Marino did have nine of her side's 29 turnovers in the game.
The contest was effectively decided after Team USA hit back from a 7-0 deficit to lead 28-13 at the end of the first quarter and they put the game out of reach by half-time, leading 63-24.
There wasn't much comfort for Maher who coached Australia at the last Olympics and led them to a runners-up finish to the US.
He has only been in charge of the national side in New Zealand for several months and he hinted that his players were out of their depth.
"Basketball is not a big sport in New Zealand," he said. "They are trying to build something and maybe kick it on from here."
They will not have to face the United States again, but New Zealand clearly risk suffering big defeats in the rest of their games.
"I have seen the teams in our group, like China or the Czech Republic," Maher said. "They are fabulous teams. What we must do is turn up every time ready to play."
Maher was relieved the margin of defeat wasn't greater.
"When involved with the Australian national team, I played against the US more than 20 times," he said. "Today, I felt that the margin could have gone up to 80, so I am grateful that my players were able to cut it to 40."
From Jeff Taylor, PA International, Athens Exclusively for FIBA
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