[CbobbyB]

*just a little bored, so i decided to do this.*

Despite a double-double effort by both Candace Parker (Tennessee / Naperville, Ill.) and Tina Thompson (Houston Comets), who combined for 46 points and 21 rebounds, the 2006 USA Basketball Women's Senior National Team (10-1 / 4-1 Opals World Challenge) dropped its final game of spring training to host Australia (4-1) 76-65. In a little bit of consolation, the United States came away with a first place finish due to the fact that the USA's victory over Australia in Cairns was by 20 points. China (2-3) finished in third place after defeating Chinese Taipei (Taiwan / 0-5) 91-61.

Parker and Thompson's efforts throughout the tournament, which saw Parker average a team-high 18.0 ppg. and 8.4 rpg., and Thompson post averages of 17.0 ppg. and a USA-best 8.6 rpg., earned them a spot on the five-member All-Opals World Challenge Team. Australia's Lauren Jackson of the Seattle Storm was selected MVP, while China's Miao Lijie and Taipei's Feng-Chun Chiang rounded out the all-tournament mentions. http://www.usabasketball.com/seniorwomen/2006/06_wnt_exh-11_story.html

 

[CbobbyB]

I am wondering if Coach Donovan took a weak team over to Australia so they could get that elusive win, knowing that she would get a multi-year contract out of Lauren Jackson for the Seattle Storm, if the Opals beat Team USA???

when you look at it, it makes perfect sense. I'm sure that was the whole "story" behind it.
They should've just picked Coach Van to take care of the Opals..he never fails.