Nneka finally got to play major minutes today as the USA beat Taiwan 101-66 in the gold-medal game.
She had a huge game — the team-high 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.
“We wanted to go to Nneka early and often, and we did,” said head coach Bill Fennelly, “I think tonight’s game was even better than the game she played two years ago (in the U19 World Championship gold medal game). I think that says a lot about her, not just her talent, but her commitment and focus. You want your best players to step up at the biggest times, and a gold medal game is a good time to step up and do the things you can do."
This marks the third straight gold as a team for Fennelly, Nneka and Skylar Diggins, who were all also members of the 2008 USA U18 National Team and 2009 USA U19 World Championship Team.
“It’s just amazing,” reflected Fennelly. “Nneka and Sky have been through a lot. This is the third time I’ve had them, twice as an assistant and now as a head coach. They are great players, but they are even better people. I think they were the true leaders of our team. Everyone knew it from the beginning. They followed what we asked them to do, and their experience really paid off and showed the other kids what the international game is all about – the travel and how you just have to fight through it day-by-day. At the end of the day, they have another gold medal and they deserve it.”
Chiney, along with Nneka, Skylar and Elena Della Donne, was one of the four USA players who scored in double digits. She had ten points, six rebounds and a block.
Chiney's field goal percentage led all players in the World University Games. She made a whopping 67.4% of her attempts. Nneka was a close second with 65.3%.
There's lots more about today's game from USA Basketball:
- The game report
- The box score
- Quotes, including many from Nneka
- Audio quotes from Chiney
- Game photo gallery
- Medal ceremony photo gallery
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