Laura Harper remembered the sense of accomplishment she felt 15 months ago after helping lead the Maryland basketball team to the NCAA title.
But the forward said she experienced different emotions after the United States? Under-21 team defeated Australia, 96-73, in the gold medal game of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U21 World Championships in Moscow on Sunday.
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“When I saw the flag and heard our national anthem play, I couldn?t help put to sing along loud and proudly,” said Harper, who had five points and three rebounds in the victory. “I didn?t care who heard me singing. I was just so proud to represent and give back to our country in some way.”
Forward Crystal Langhorne, Harper?s fellow rising senior teammate at Maryland, turned in another efficient offensive performance against Australia, finishing with 23 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Langhorne said the biggest difference in Sunday?s game compared to the U.S.?s 90-88 win over Australia in the opening round was her team?s defense.
The Americans finished with 15 steals and out-rebounded the Australians, 52-31. The U.S. led, 75-56, at the end of three quarters, but Australia pulled to within 75-67 before the Americans put the game away.
“We were very helter skelter on defense the first time around because we were still learning to play together and getting used to Coach [Joanne P.] McCallie?s match-up zone defense,” said Langhorne, referring to the U.S. national team?s head coach. “This time, we were more comfortable with each other and got out to a nice lead which helped.”
Like Harper, Langhorne said winning a gold medal brought a different set of feelings than winning a national title with the Terrapins.
“Both are very different,” Langhorne said. “In this tournament, we are all brought together in a short period of time, but you are representing your entire country. Winning a national title comes after working together for much longer and it brings you a sense of accomplishment after building to that goal from the start of the season.”
Langhorne and Harper plan on focusing on their summer school classes and improving their conditioning as they prepare for Maryland?s season-opener against Princeton in the first-round of the preseason Women?s National Invitational Tournament Nov. 9 at the Comcast Center.
“I?m just going to keep working hard and try to enjoy the rest of my summer,” Harper said. “The start of the season will get there before I know it.”
U.S./Australia notes
» The U.S. team finished 8-0 for the tournament, including an 86-61 win over host Russia in Saturday?s semifinals.
» Candice Wiggins (Stanford), Joleen Anderson (Wisconsin) and DeWanna Bonner (Auburn) each scored 14 points in the championship game.
» Jenna O?Hea led the Australians with 23 points.
