With four quarter-finals in one day, there was a lot to take in from the Women’s basketball tournament on Tuesday in Rio. Four teams lost, which means that their tournament is over while the four winning teams will be resting today, looking to bounce back into action on Thursday. The four games offered up plenty of excitement and there was perhaps a shock along the way too.
The scores from Tuesday 16th of August were:
- France 68 v Canada 63
- United States 110 v Japan 64
- Spain 64 v Turkey 62
- Australia 71 v Serbia 73
The Canadians took a big lead in the opening quarter, outscoring the French by 9 points but a slow and steady performance in the rest of the game from the French saw them home with a bit to spare. The game was tied going into the final quarter and the French side had enough in their locker to create some space between themselves and their opponents.
The Americans marched on again with a thoroughly convincing performance against Japan. Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi grabbed 19 points each in the win, helping the USA to coast home. Japan will be going home although Ramu Tokashiki was once again their key player, providing 14 points in the loss.
Turkey had a strong lead going into the final quarter, thanks to a devastating third quarter but the Spanish finished strongly, taking the game by 2 points. Anna Cruz was instrumental for the Spanish side, delivering 14 points in the world. For Turkey, LaToya Sanders a player most readily associated with the Washington Mystics, served up 22 points in the defeat.
Australia were many people’s tip to grab a medal or even challenge the US team slightly but their Olympic dream is over. Serbia managed to win by two points and it is them who march on to the semi-final. Liz Cambage was once again a key player for the Australians, providing 29 points and 11 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to take her team to the semi-finals. For Serbia, Ana Dabović grabbed 24 points.
The semi-final games on 18th August are:
- France v United States
- Spain v Serbia
In the France versus United States, the expectation is still on the Americans to win with a bit to spare. The Americans will face a challenge against the French, so taking France at +24.5 at odds of 1.90 isn’t a bad bet but you have to expect the US to win with a bit to spare in their semi-final. For the Over/Under market, look to go OVER 149.5 which is also available at odds of 1.90. Bet Now!
The other match should be a lot tighter but Spain should have enough about them to take care of business. Look to back Spain at -5.5, at odds of 1.90. If you’re looking for the Over/Under market, go UNDER 134.5 which you can find at odds of 1.90. Bet Now!
In the Race to 20 Points, you can back Spain at 1.52. If you think that a Serbia half-time, Spain full-time result is a likely outcome, you can back it at odds of 6.00.
Tournament Bets
Now that we are down to four teams left in the tournament, the longer term betting odds have shifted slightly.
To Win Outright
The Americans are still clear favourites to win the tournament outright, and can be backed at odds of 1.010. Spain are next in line at odds of 14.00, Serbia can be backed at 26.00 and France are listed at 41.00.
Betting Without Favourite
Removing the USA from the equation sees Spain listed at 1.41, Serbia are found at 3.00 and France are classed at 41.00.
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