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Summary Becky Hammon came through late for Russia once again.
The San Antonio Silver Stars guard scored 19 points, including the go-ahead basket with 13 seconds left, to lead Russia to a thrilling 66-63 victory over Turkey and into the semifinals of the Olympic womens basketball tournament.It was win or go home and we made some plays down the stretch, Hammon said. Thats the most important thing, we hung in there and stuck it out.Hammon, 35, is playing in her second Olympics for Russia. She became a Russian naturalized citizen before the Beijing Games. Because she hadnt played for the United States in any major FIBA-sanctioned international events, she is allowed to compete for Russia in the Olympics.The 5-foot-6 South Dakota native helped Russia win the bronze medal at the Beijing Games. This is the third straight Olympics that Russia has reached the semifinals. The Russians also had to settle for the bronze in Athens falling to the U.S. in 2004 and 2008.After finishing third in their pool at the London Games, the Russians avoided a potential matchup with the Americans until the gold medal game if both teams advance. It means a lot to us, it was our goal not to match up with the U.S. team in the quarters or semifinals, said Russian forward Anna Petrakova, who had 10 points and seven rebounds. Weve done our best in the group to make sure we dont match up with them early it makes it easier. Its going to be a battle with either the Czech Republic or France in the semifinals.The U.S. plays Australia in the other semifinal on Thursday. France played the Czechs in the last quarterfinal game on Tuesday.Russia hasnt won a gold medal since 1992 when the country was known as the Unified Team. The loss ended Turkeys impressive run in its first Olympics.Five years ago our goal was to make Turkish people to be proud of us, Turkey coach Ceyhun Yidizoglu said through a translator. Partially we made this. I really hope in the future well do great things in the Olympics.Hammon opened quarterfinal play in the same fashion she started the Olympics. In her first game at the London Games, she scored eight straight points down the stretch to help Russia rally from double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Canada 58-53.With the game tied at 62 on Tuesday, Hammon got the ball and drove down the lane, scoring with 13 seconds left and drawing the foul. She missed the free throw and Quanitra Hollingsworth got the rebound.The U.S. born Hollingsworth, who became a naturalized Turkish citizen in May, was fouled and made one of two free throws to make it a 1-point game.The Russians couldnt put the game away, hitting only two of its four free throws in the final 12 seconds giving Turkey one last chance, but Birsel Vardarlis 3-pointer from the wing bounced off the rim.
