The Russians didn't come to Atlanta to finish fifth. Neither did the Cubans.
The Italians weren't aiming at seventh -- nor were the Japanese.
But classification games must be played, and through the disappointment of not making the medal round, some motivation must be found.
Russia had the heaviest burden to bear, losing in overtime to the Australians in a bitterly fought and very physical game. But the Russians, now 5-2, dug deep enough Aug. 1 to pull out an 80-69 win over Japan (2-5). The main reason for that victory was Yelena Baranova, whose performance in these games has marked her as one of the great players on the planet. She had 37 points, just two below the all-time Olympic record, 13 rebounds and sparked an 11-1 closing spurt that sealed the deal for Russia.
Mariya Stepanova was the only other Russian in double figures (with 11) but balanced scoring wasn't needed with Baranova on board.
The Japanese struggled from three-point range (four-for-24), but true to their Olympic pattern, they simply refused to fold. Their consistent attack, constant discipline and never-say-die attitude brought them to within one point with 2:31 left -- but then the Japanese missed five straight three-pointers and Baranova wound up with a layup or free throws after each misfire.
Russia will play Cuba (3-4) at 10:30 a.m. (Pacific time) Aug. 3 for fifth, as inside force Yamilet Martinez continued her unstoppable play with 23 rebounds and nine rebounds in a 78-70 win over Italy (3-4).
The game was close until the last five minutes, when an 11-2 Cuban run finally put the Italians away. Grisel Herrera had a key three-pointer, among her 18 points, and Milayda Enriquez added 17 rebounds.
Catarina Pollini led the Italians with 15 points and seven rebounds while Viviana Ballabio, who has had an excellent tournament, finished with 14 points and eight rebounds.
The Italy-Japan game will be at 7 a.m. Aug. 3.