Yesterday was a massive day in Group A of the women’s basketball tournament at the 2016 Rio Games. This is because the fate of all 6 teams has now been decided. There is still one game to go in the group stage for these six teams, and their final placing in the group may change but we now know the four teams who will progress from group A into the knockout round.
Today though, the focus falls on Group B. So far we have two teams qualified for the next round, which means that there are still two places up for grabs. This means we should expect plenty of exciting action as players realise that this could be their last chance of success or progress at the Olympic Games. Basketball fans can enjoy a lot of energy today and there are plenty of basketball betting opportunities.
Group A
Friday the 12th of August is going to be a rest day in Group A and it will be required after a breath-taking day of basketball action.
First up was Belarus versus Turkey and this was a game that both teams were desperate to win to ensure that they were involved in the mix for the knockout round spots. In the end it was Turkey that held on for the win and by the end of the day they were thoroughly delighted, and rewarded, for their efforts. Nevriye Yılmaz provided 26 points in the win for Turkey while Belarus received 17 points in the defeat from Lindsey Harding.
The hosts were in action once more and again, they lost out. Brazil have now lost four out of four games and this ensures that they are heading out of their own tournament at the earliest possible stage. Gaëlle Skrela offered up 18 points in the win while for the hosts, Damiris Dantas grabbed 21 points in their defeat.
The highest scoring game of the day came in the final match with Japan losing out to Australia. Australia once again had Liz Cambage to thank as she grabbed 37 points in the win while for Japan, Ramu Tokashiki grabbed 23 points in the defeat.
The score-lines from 11th August in Group of Women’s Olympic Basketball were as follows:
- Belarus 71 v Turkey 74
- France 74 v Brazil 64
- Japan 86 v Australia 92
After four games, Australia top the group with 8 points, France are in second place with 7 points and Turkey and Japan are third and fourth, both with 6 points. These are the four teams that have qualified to the knockout round. Belarus are in fifth position with 5 points but as they have lost their head to head games against Turkey and Japan, they cannot finish above either of the teams ahead of them in the table. Brazil are rooted to the foot of the table with 4 points.
Group B
With the top two teams in Group B clashing on Friday, there is going to be some great basketball action but there will also be two other games where teams will think they’ve got a real chance to move up the table.
Serbia v China
This game tips off at 1615 BST.
Fifth plays fourth in this game in a match that is absolutely vital to the progress of these two teams. Only a point operates the two sides at the moment so a win is vital for getting points on board and of course, the head to head. If China win, they hold a two point advantage and the head to head record, which means that Serbia would be unable to overtake them with one other games to go in the group. If Serbia win, they will draw level on points with China but will be ahead of them thanks to the head to head record. With China playing USA in their final game, you can see why this is classed as a deciding game in the group.
China stumbled against Spain in their last outing with Shao Ting providing 14 points in the loss. Their only win so far in the tournament has come against Senegal but they know that one big performance today could change people’s expectations of what they can do in this tournament.
Serbia have struggled so far in the tournament but with China and Senegal up next, they’ll have a degree of confidence about making it through to the knockout rounds. In their most recent game, Serbia were mauled by the United States, like most teams, but the fact that they had three separate players grabbing 15 points in the loss will be a positive factor.
You can take Serbia at -15.5, which is available at odds of 1.90. if you are looking for the Over/Under market, look to go UNDER 149.0 which you can find at odds of 1.90. Bet Now!
In the Race to 20 Points, Serbia are available at odds of 1.21.
Canada v USA
This game tips off at 1930 BST.
It is the top two in the group but once again, there is nothing but confidence and expectation about Team USA blowing their opponents out of their way.
Canada were professional in their dealings with Senegal in their last game, grabbing a win that ensures they will be in the knockout stages of the tournament. Kia Nurse picked up 14 points in what can be described as a routine win for the Canadians.
The US thumped Serbia and Diana Taurasi grabbed 25 points in the win. Taurasi has been a vital player in this tournament so far and she is definitely someone to look out for in this game. The only question in this game is how many points the US will win by and they’ll want to win in style against their neighbours and “close” rivals.
You should take United States at -29.5 which you can find on offer at odds of 1.90. There is also the Over/Under market for this game and you should look to go OVER 159.5 which is available at odds of 1.90. Bet Now!
Spain v Senegal
This game tips off at 2145 BST.
Sitting in third spot with 5 points, Spain are very close to qualifying for the group stages and they should achieve this aim by the end of the day. Other results may help them but with a game against Senegal, it is very much in Spanish hands.
Alba Torrens delivered 32 points in the win against China in Spain’s last match and if Torrens is on form again in this game, Spain will have very little to worry about.
Senegal lost by 10 points to Canada, with a good showing, but they fell short of causing serious problems. Astou Traoré was once again a star player and she delivered 24 points in the loss for Senegal.
You should back Senegal at +29.5, which is available at odds of 1.90 and if you’re looking for the Over/Under market, look to go OVER 143.0 which you can find at odds of 1.90. Bet Now!
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