University of Georgia Athletics
Houts' Shot Propels USA U21 National Team Over Hungary
July 04, 2007 | Women's Basketball
MOSCOW, Russia -- Georgia's Ashley Houts canned a three-pointer late in the first half to give the USA U21 National Team the lead for good in a 93-70 victory over Hungary in the 2007 FIBA U21 World Championships on Sunday.
The Americans improved to 3-0 in Group B action with the victory, while the Hungarians fell to 1-2.
After five ties and 10 lead changes in the first two quarters, Houts nailed a three-pointer with 1:24 left in the half to give the U.S. a lead it would never relinquish. Houts, the 2007 SEC Freshman of the Year and the only rising sophomore named to the American squad in Moscow, finished with three points and a steal in 15 minutes of action.
"I think it's important for me to do what Coach P said and provide that extra boost of energy and that spark coming of the bench," Houts said. "If that's going to help give us that extra boost of energy, then I'll do whatever I have to do. If it's that, I'll do it."
Following Houts' shot, the U.S. expanded its lead to 43-36 at halftime. Hungary pulled with 55-51 early in the second stanza before a 10-3 run game the Americans some breathing room.
Stanford's Candice Wiggins led the U.S. with 21 points, while Oklahoma's Courtney Paris and Maryland's Crystal Langhorne chipped in 14 and 13, respectively.
Following an off day, the Americans will return to action to face Spain on Monday. The U.S. squad is the only remaining undefeated team in Group B, with medal-round action set to begin on Friday.
