Team USA is gearing up for a huge FIBA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal against Hungary on Thursday, and after their “close call” against Italy, you know they are locked in. This isn’t just another game, though. Tip-off is set for an early 5:30 a.m. ET (11:30 a.m. local time in Berlin), and it’s a rematch 40 years in the making.
Hungary’s Star Spills the Beans on a Long-Awaited Showdown
The last time the U.S. faced Hungary in the Women’s World Cup was way back in 1986, when Team USA snagged a 78-63 win in the group stage. USA Basketball even has footage of that game on their YouTube page, which is wild to think about. That 1986 tournament was also the *last* time Hungary made it to the quarterfinals. They’ve never finished better than fifth overall, and that was back in 1957. So, yeah, this is a big deal for them. Hungary’s star, Minnesota Lynx forward Dorka Juhász, is feeling it. She said, “I think it’s going to be a great game… Not many times Hungary have faced USA in any shape or form, so I think it’s going to be fun. It’s already a big thing that we’re in the top eight in the world. It’s been, what, 40 years? But we’re going to rest. We’re going to bring our hearts, our fight, and give all we have in that game.” You gotta respect that fire!
How Team USA Stops Hungary’s Dominant Bigs
If Team USA wants to make this a “cleaner performance” than the Italy game, they need to focus on Hungary’s twin towers: Juhász and Virag Takacs-Kiss. Both stand at 6-foot-4 and have been straight up excellent in Berlin. Juhász is averaging a double-double with 15.3 points and 11 rebounds per game, while Takacs-Kiss is putting up 14 points and 9.5 rebounds. Together, those two have scored 117 of Hungary’s 290 points, which is a whopping 40.3% of their offense! These two are willing shooters and passers, and when they play together, they can swap between the post and perimeter. They are also a force on the offensive glass. Hungary’s guards pretty much always look to get the ball into the paint to one of their bigs first, whether it’s a direct post-up or a pick-and-roll (they even pick-and-pop). The key for Team USA is going to be denying them deep post position and making those catches difficult. Once Juhász or Takacs-Kiss get the ball on the block, they are a problem and often demand double teams, which opens up everything for Hungary. If USA can deny them the ball, Hungary’s whole offense is gonna struggle.
This Thursday, you can catch the game on TNT or live stream it on HBO Max. Team USA is a heavy favorite at -30.5, but you know Hungary is bringing 40 years of pent-up energy to Berlin. Don’t sleep on this one, folks. Our squad needs to bring it!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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