Charles’ Monster Game Leads Team USA To Gold Medal

UConn Huskies senior Tina Charles had her best game of the World University Games as she had 28 points and 18 rebounds to lead Team USA to an 83-64 over Russia to win the gold medal.

Team USA breezed through the tournament at 7-0 and was only really challenged once.

UConn’s Tiffany Hayes added 3 points and 2 rebounds in the championship game.

Maya Moore missed the tournament after spraining her knee in an exhibition game vs Australia. She is expected to be fine for UConn’s season.

Here are some quotes from Charles and Hayes courtesy of USA Basketball:

Tina Charles (Connecticut / Jamaica, N.Y.)

On today’s game:
I just wanted to go out and play the way I know how to play. I treated this like it was a national championship game or a Big East Conference championship game. I know everybody worked hard, everybody wanted to win and that’s what was always on my mind.

On battling Russia’s Olga Yakovleva (No. 15):
She’s a really good player. She was just battling down low, making her shots, doing good moves and trying to carry her team.

How does it feel to win another gold medal?
It feels great. Especially with this group, knowing how hard we worked. We’re all coming from different areas and being able to put aside what we do at our own schools, come together collectively. It means a lot.

You’ve had a heck of a year, going undefeated during the NCAA season and now this summer
Oh yeah, it feels great. I’m just happy. Hopefully I can continue this and go undefeated my senior year.

Tiffany Hayes (Connecticut / Lakeland, Fla.)

How does it feel to win a gold medal?
It feels really good. Especially with these teammates that I have. It’s just a wonderful feeling and I wouldn’t want to do with any other teammates.

You’ve had a heck of a year, going undefeated during the NCAA season and now this summer:
It’s been a real good year for me. Things just keep happening for me and I’m just blessed to be in the position that I’m in, being able to make the team, being able to come over to Serbia. It’s been a wonderful year for me and I’m really thankful for it.