Parker's record setting performance leads Team USA past Angola

Candace Parker had a record setting night with a single game Olympic record of four blocks. (Photo courtesy USA Basketball)

In dominating fashion, the United States easily handled Angola 90-38 in pool play on Monday at the Olympic Park Basketball Arena in London.  Candace Parker led the way with 14 points, 12 rebounds and an Olympic single-game record four blocks.

“I thought it was a tremendous performance by Candace,” said U.S. head coach Geno Auriemma of Parker. “We saw a little bit of everything that she’s capable of doing. There are things that Candace can do that no other player can do.”

Parker had four points, three rebounds and an assist in the first quarter to help Team USA jump out to a 22-12 lead after the first quarter.  Parker added four more points, two blocks and five rebounds in the second as the Americans continued to open up the gap out-scoring Angola 19-6.

“I think that Coach and the team is looking for me being confident and playing with intensity,” said Parker about her record setting night. “I think tonight, he just gave me two things to do:  just rebound and run the ball.  We’re going to play defense but I tried to focus on that and my teammates did a good job of getting me the ball.”

Angola, who is appearing in their first ever Olympics, was overwhelmed by the four-time defending gold medalists, being outrebounded 49-35.  In addition, the U.S. shot a blistering 69 percent from the field while holding Angola to just 23 percent.

All eleven players scored for the United States with the exception of Sylvia Fowles who did not play. Starter Seimone Augustus had 13 points; off the bench Maya Moore added 11 and Angel McCoughtry 10.  Sonia Guadalupe led Angola with 11 points.

The United States finished with a 52-point victory and is now 2-0 in preliminary rounds, Angola drops to 0-2.  The United States will face Turkey on Wednesday at 10:15 pm in London, 5:15pm EST.