The Washington Post. September 19, 2000
Cuban center Yamilet Martinez scored 17 first-half points before the United States figured out how to stop her to win its second game of the Olympics, 90-61, on Monday.
Lisa Leslie and Yolanda Griffith sat out most of the first half in foul trouble, but when they returned, Martinez managed just two points.
"I think we gave her a lot of confidence," Leslie said. "I think once Yo and I got in foul trouble, she was pretty much free to do whatever she wanted. We didn't really follow our assignment and got hung up behind her a lot."
The key: Force Martinez to go left.
"Once we did that, she wasn't as effective," Leslie said.
And once Martinez was out of the offense, Cuba was out of hope. Strong play from the U.S. bench--reserve Katie Smith led the team with 15 points on perfect shooting--and two big scoring runs produced the kind of victory expected from this team. And the timing was right because the United States'
next opponent is Russia on Wednesday afternoon (1:30 a.m. EDT).
Russia also is 2-0, with wins over Poland, 84-46, and Cuba, 72-62. The United States beat South Korea, 89-75, in its first game.
"The Russian team is a team we totally respect," Leslie said. "It's a great team with a great coaching staff. Very smart players. They know the game. This is going to be our toughest game yet."
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